Indiana law firms named among best for women

Three law firms based in Indiana or with offices in the state are among the 50 Best Law Firms for Women in the annual list compiled by Working Mother and consulting firm Flex-Time Lawyers LLC

Faegre Baker Daniels LLP, Ice Miller LLP and Littler Mendelson P.C. were named to the list. The rankings are based on firms that lead in attracting, retaining and promoting women attorneys.

The list doesn’t rank firms numerically. At Faegre, 37 percent of attorneys are women as are 20 percent of equity partners. Ice Miller also had 37 percent female lawyers and 24 percent of its equity partners are women. Littler, a San Francisco-based firm with a Northside Indianapolis office, has a force of 49 percent women attorneys, and 27 percent of its equity partners are women.

Working Mother commented on each firm.

Faegre: “The Women’s Forum for Achievement offered by this firm boasts a wide range of useful programs for lawyers, with educational sessions, discussion groups and workshops that cover success strategies, sponsorship, mentoring, leadership development and more.”

Ice Miller: “Intensive mentoring is a boon to new lawyers at this firm, who work with both peers and partners to strengthen core skills and devise long-range plans. On-site exercise classes, reimbursed gym memberships and $1,000 health-savings-account grants encourage fitness.”

Littler: “Showing support for its diverse workforce, this firm maintains myriad affinity groups and a vital women’s leadership initiative, along with sterling benefits and flex schedules. In 2012, 63 percent of associates, 76 percent of counsel and 32 percent of partners (equity and nonequity) were women.”