HARRISBURG (July 8, 2009) - The Pennsylvania Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession recently honored law firms that have programs or initiatives helping women lawyers continue and advance in their professions.

The commission created the Honor Roll of Legal Organizations Welcoming Women Professionals 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.

"It is our hope that Pennsylvania firms, corporate law departments and other organizations of lawyers will take note of the honor roll inductees and will be inspired to implement similar programs that promote and retain women attorneys," said Molly Gilligan of Havertown, co-chair, PBA Commission on Women in the Profession Report Card Committee, which created the honor roll.

The following firms are included on the 2009 Honor Roll of Legal Organizations Welcoming Women Professionals:

• Cozen O'Connor, offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia and West Conshohocken
• Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin P.C., offices in Harrisburg, Norristown and Philadelphia
• K&L Gates, offices in Harrisburg and Pittsburgh
• Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebenek & Eck P.L.L.C., offices in Greensburg and Pittsburgh
• Oliver, Price & Rhodes, Clarks Summit
• Raynes McCarty, Philadelphia
• Saul Ewing L.L.P., offices in Chesterbrook, Harrisburg and Philadelphia
• Women's Bar Association of Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh
• White and Williams L.L.P., offices in Allentown, Berwyn, Conshohocken, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh

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 29,000 lawyers who are members of the association.