Wiley Named a 2021 ‘Best Law Firm for Women’ by Seramount

June 22, 2021

Washington, DC – For the fourth consecutive year, Wiley Rein LLP has been named among the “Best Law Firms for Women” by Seramount, formerly known as Working Mother Media. Wiley was among 50 law firms recognized nationally this week, and one of 11 Washington, DC area-based firms to be honored. The 2021 list recognizes law firms that utilize best practices to recruit, retain, promote, and develop women lawyers.

Law firms selected for the list averaged 25% women among equity partners, up from 23% in 2020, Working Mother reported. The percentage of women lawyers overall increased to 40% in 2021 from 39% in 2020. In addition, the percentage of multicultural women at firms on the list increased to 27% this year from 26% in 2020.

“We know that women have left the workplace in droves since the onset of COVID-19,” said Subha V. Barry, CEO of Seramount. “But the fact that representation of women equity partners, and women lawyers overall, has increased during this turbulent time just shows how supportive our Best Law Firms for Women are to parents and caregivers. They stepped up and offered increased flexibility and new benefit programs to help this critical talent pool balance both work and home life.”

“We are proud to have once again earned this recognition from Seramount and Working Mother, which reflects our commitment to increasing the representation of women as we strive to build a workforce and culture that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive,” said Wiley Chief Diversity Officer Rashida MacMurray-Abdullah. “Now is the time for each of us to challenge ourselves to stand at the forefront of advancing more women in significant leadership roles at all levels. We must take bold action to achieve the transformational change that this moment requires.”

Wiley provides women attorneys at the firm with appropriate work assignments, mentoring, resource groups, and client networking opportunities that ultimately gives them a chance to rise to leadership positions, both inside and outside the firm. As a result, more than half of Wiley’s associates are women – and women lead 85% of the firm’s committees.

In addition, the firm's Women’s Forum – started in 2013 and led by partners Rachel A. Alexander, Laura El-Sabaawi, and Eve Klindera Reed – provides Wiley attorneys with mentoring, networking, and business development opportunities.

“We’re so pleased – and not at all surprised – that Wiley has earned this great recognition for the fourth year in a row,” Ms. Reed said on behalf of the Women’s Forum. “It’s an honor to be part of a firm that invests so much in the advancement and professional development of its women lawyers.”

Seramount's 2021 Best Law Firms for Women methodology included more than 300 questions about attorney demographics at different levels, schedule flexibility, paid time off and parental leaves, and development and retention of women. This year, in recognition of the impact of COVID-19 on the legal industry, several questions were added about the success of working from home for lawyers. Honorees will be recognized at a virtual ceremony on December 9.