The Equity Gap: A Special Report on Women in the Partnership

The National Law Journal

07-23-2012

Virtually every firm claims to be committed to helping women succeed, and they all seem to offer an array of women's programs — affinity groups, business-development training and work/life balance initiatives. But are large firms committed to promoting women into the equity partnership? Our study of the largest firms in the United States by headcount shows that women represent just 15 percent of equity partners. At just five firms surveyed, women make up more than 25 percent of equity partners. 

At big firms, equity gender gap continues
Firms talk a good line, but how many can demonstrate that they are promoting a strong percentage of women into the equity-partner ranks? Our survey shows slow progress for women partners at large firms. 

Chart: Firms Ranked by Women Equity Partners
Who has the most women in the equity partnership? We rank more than 200 firms.

 
No glass ceiling at Fragomen
With 42 percent of its equity partnerships held by women, the New York player leads the big firm pack.


 
At the bottom, where few women rise
Firms with lowest female equity partner percentages struggle to find a formula to help women.

 

BY THE NUMBERS

Women Partner Watch
A firm-by-firm look at the percentage of women elected partner at Am Law 100 and 200 firms in this year's round of promotions.