HARRISBURG (Oct. 8, 2020) — The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Commission on Women in the Profession (WIP) will present 2020 H. Robert Fiebach Awards for the Promotion of Women in the Law to Berner Klaw & Watson in Philadelphia and Lanard and Associates P.C. in Plymouth Meeting at a virtual meeting on Nov. 6.
Formerly known as the Promotion of Women in the Law Award, it was created in 2017 to honor Pennsylvania law firms and solo practitioners, corporate law departments and other organizations providing legal services that have instituted programs or initiatives that help women lawyers continue and advance in their careers while maintaining a work/life balance.
Berner Klaw & Watson
Berner Klaw & Watson (BKW) was founded on the philosophy of balancing careers with motherhood and extends it to all employees. The firm and its partners are committed to mentoring other women attorneys and law clerks, promoting work-life balance and pro bono service.
The firm focuses on the advancement of opportunities for women in family law, not only for attorneys having children, but through a law clerk program developed and established by founding member Joni Berner in 2010. It also offers flexible scheduling and child care options, including “Camp BKW,” where all attorney and staff children are welcomed after school/camp or when they are sick.
Since 2015, BKW has participated in a mentoring program through the Drexel University-Thomas R. Kline School of Law. All partners mentor and work with the firm’s law clerks.
Lanard and Associates PC
An all-female boutique law firm specializing in franchise law, Lanard and Associates PC allows all staff to work from a virtual office to greater allow for flexibility to care for family needs.
Founder and senior partner Nancy Lanard allows attorneys in her firm to accept or reject a work assignments based on current situations, including demands for childcare, financial need and time constraints.
The flexibility the firm offers has allowed staff to enjoy a greater work/life balance, forging greater work satisfaction and lasting relationships.
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 of legal services; and serve the lawyer members of the state’s largest organized bar association.