Ballard Spahr has been ranked as one of the top 50 law firms for women lawyers by the National Law Journal‘s Female Scorecard, which ranks the nation’s largest law firms according to their percentages of women attorneys.
The list was based on the results of a survey the National Law Journal sent to 350 of the country’s largest law firms by head count. Of the 261 firms that responded to the survey, Ballard Spahr ranked 48th.
“Our female lawyers are extraordinary in their service to clients and the firm,” said firm Chair Mark Stewart. “Their participation in the life and leadership of the firm opens the door for other women and makes us stronger and better able to meet the needs of our clients.”
This survey is not the first to recognize Ballard Spahr as a leader in this area. Last year, the firm was named one of the 100 best U.S. law firms for women attorneys by Law360 as part of its Glass Ceiling report. For the past seven years, the firm has earned the Gold Standard Certification from the Women in Law Empowerment Forum. The Gold Standard Certification is based on objective criteria for female participation in firm and practice management and governance, as well as the promotion and compensation of women attorneys. Ballard Spahr is among an elite group of law firms that has consistently attained this recognition since the program’s inception in 2011.
“We are fortunate to work at a firm with a strong and longstanding commitment to the professional development of female attorneys,” said Denise L. Plunkett, a Litigation partner in the New York office, who co-leads the Ballard Women affinity group with Melanie J. Vartabedian, a Litigation partner in the Salt Lake City office. “We see this commitment everywhere – in our policies, our programming, and in our firm culture.”
With women comprising 25.3 percent of its equity partners, Ballard Spahr is above the national average for firms reporting data to The National Association for Law Placement. The firm supports its female lawyers through two affinity groups. Ballard Women, which includes partners, counsel, and of counsel, hosts events for women clients and prospective clients; develops mentoring programs for their younger counterparts; and sponsors professional development programs. In addition, the Ballard Women Associates group provides opportunities for networking, mentoring, and professional development.
