Chapman and Cutler LLP is pleased to announce that it has been named to the Best Law Firms for Women 2020 list, published by Working Mother. The list recognizes 60 law firms that have demonstrated a significant investment in recruiting, retaining, promoting, developing, and advancing women lawyers. This is our twelfth appearance on the list, making Chapman one of 23 “Hall of Fame” law firms with at least 10 years on the list.
“This year has been particularly challenging, however, we take great pride in Chapman’s ongoing commitment to support all attorneys in achieving both their professional and personal goals – even during a pandemic,” said Stacey Kielbasa, Chapman’s Chief Talent Officer. “Women attorneys are essential to Chapman’s success and we are honored to be named to the Hall of Fame honor roll and recognized by Working Mother for our programs and policies.”
Chapman continues to strengthen and develop a variety of initiatives tailored to support the careers of women attorneys. Partners Kim Ahlgrim, of the Asset Securitization Department, and Rebecca Wallenfelsz, of the Trusts and Estates Department, serve as co-chairs of Chapman’s Women’s Business Resource Group, which hosts networking events and mentoring sessions to help attorneys prepare for leadership roles. Chapman’s sponsor program pairs diverse associates, counsel, senior counsel, and staff attorneys with members of firm leadership to identify and pursue professional and business development goals and opportunities. Chapman also has a Working Parents Business Resource Group that offers parents resources and opportunities to share their experiences and insights, and provides input to firm leadership on additional programs and policies that support working parents. Chapman offers extensive parental leave, backup child care, employee assistance programs that provide support services for women and working parents, educational events, comprehensive benefits for same-sex couples, and private rooms for nursing mothers. Chapman has adopted policies and provided resources designed to enable lawyers to work remotely and has expanded these policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The firm’s longstanding policies allowing for flexible and part-time work, and business development and networking training and coaching, continue to help our women thrive in all stages of their careers.
Chapman will be honored at the Best Law Firms for Women Virtual Conference on September 22, 2020.