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Pennsylvania Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession Announces 2013 Honor Roll of Legal Organizations Welcoming Women Professionals

HARRISBURG (April 15, 2013) - The Pennsylvania Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession will be honoring law firms that have programs or initiatives that are helping women lawyers continue and advance in their professions.

Eleven law firms will be named to the 2013 Honor Roll of Legal Organizations Welcoming Women Professionals during the commission's 20th Annual Conference, "You and the PBA Commission on Women in the Profession: Opportunities and Challenges," May 9, at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown.

"The commission created the Honor Roll to recognize firms that provide tools such as flexible work schedules, backup child care, networking events and other innovative solutions that enable women lawyers to continue and advance in their professional careers," said Lisa M. Benzie, commission co-chair. "It is our hope that additional Pennsylvania firms, corporate law departments and other organizations of lawyers will take note of our inductees and will be inspired to implement similar programs."

The following firms are included on the 2013 Honor Roll:

  • Ballard Spahr LLP, Philadelphia - for its "Pass the Gavel" and "Plus One" programs that encourage its female attorneys to mentor each other and network with others

  • Duane Morris LLP, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh - for its recognition by Working Mothers Magazine as one of the Top 50 Law Firms for Women

  • Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, Canonsburg, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh - for its long-standing practice of publicizing annually the many success stories of its women attorneys both internally and externally

  • Fox Rothschild LLP, Blue Bell, Exton, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Warrington - for its Connectivity program focused on fostering better communication among women attorneys to promote the sharing of resources and ideas

  • High Swartz LLP, Norristown - for recognizing the "full time" effort and productivity female attorneys put into an abbreviated workweek and compensating them accordingly

  • Lamb McErlane PC, Bryn Mawr and West Chester - for its innovative programs and policies for working mothers and long-time support of women-related causes

  • Pepper Hamilton LLP, Berwyn, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh - for its continuing focus on professional development, networking and mentoring through its WIN! Initiative

  • Reed Smith LLP, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh - for its unique ReturnRS program aimed at supporting attorneys before, during and after a leave of absence

  • Saul Ewing LLP, Chesterbrook, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh - for hosting its first All Women Attorney Summit, bringing together the firms' women attorneys to find creative ways to maximize women's contributions to the firm

  • Seidel Cohen Hof & Reid LLC, Bethlehem and Easton - for recognizing that even small firms can find creative solutions like flexible scheduling for attorneys with young families

  • White and Williams LLP, Berwyn, Center Valley and Philadelphia - for its "Inspiring the Future" mentoring campaign for female attorneys

  • During the May 9 conference, the commission also will honor Gretchen A. Mundorff of Connellsville with its Anne X. Alpern Award and Candy Barr Heimbach of Bethlehem with the Lynnette Norton Award. The Alpern Award is presented annually to a female lawyer or judge who demonstrates excellence in the legal profession and who makes a significant professional impact on women in the law. The Norton Award is presented annually to a female attorney who excels in litigation skills and who is devoted to mentoring female lawyers.

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 28,000 lawyers who are members of the association.