McDermott Named Among Leading Firms by Chicago Bar Association's Gender Diversity Project
CHICAGO (November 17, 2008) — McDermott Will & Emery was recognized as one of the leading Chicago law firms for women lawyers based on the results of the Chicago Bar Association’s (CBA) Alliance for Women, "Call to Action" project.
"This recognition is a testament to the commitment our Firm has made to improving gender equality," commented Andrea Kramer, Chicago partner and head of the Firm’s Gender Diversity Committee. "We are proud to be leaders in this effort. Gender diversity and equality is a necessity for the legal profession. The Call to Action is one step in the right direction."
In November 2004, the CBA board of managers created the Call to Action, a project to promote women's leadership in the legal profession. McDermott was an initial signatory to the Call of Action. The Call to Action recognizes that without a focused effort from the leadership in law firms, the progress of women lawyers into leadership positions will remain immaterial. Similar projects with law firm signatories in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco have comparable pledges to improve gender diversity in the legal profession. For more information, best practices and a list of Call to Action signatories click here.
McDermott Will & Emery’s commitment to gender diversity is reflected in our traditions. In 1957, we were the second major U.S. law firm to elect a woman partner. Since then, we have continued to hire and promote women to leadership roles within our Firm. The Firm’s Gender Diversity Committee develops policies and initiatives to ensure that all of our colleagues understand the value of a diverse firm; to formalize the Firm’s long-standing commitment to acceptance of gender differences; and to hire, promote and retain the most talented lawyers regardless of gender.
