DENVER (June 20, 2011)—Holland & Hart is pleased to announce that it has earned a Gold Standard Certification from the Women in Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF). The certification recognizes firms that have integrated women in top leadership positions and compensated them fairly. Holland & Hart was one of only 32 firms in the country that met the qualifying criteria.
“We are honored to receive the Gold Standard Certification,” says Liz Sharrer, a member of Holland & Hart’s management committee. “The firm is very proud of its long-standing commitment to the advancement of women in the legal profession. We are dedicated to building a culture in which women are engaged in shaping the future of this profession.”
The WILEF certification process went beyond simply looking at the percentage of women employed. To qualify, law firms had to meet at least three of the following six criteria:
- Women account for at least 20% of equity partners.
- Women represent at least 10% of firm chairs and office managing partners.
- Women make up at least 20% of the firm's primary governance committee.
- Women represent 20% or more of the firm's compensation committee.
- Women make up at least 25% of practice group leaders or department heads.
- Women represent at least 10% of the top half of the most highly compensated partners.
Ida Abbott, a legal consultant and chairwomen of WILEF’s certification committee, stated, “At a time when women are losing ground at some firms, it is wonderful to recognize 32 law firms where women are prominently represented at the highest levels of leadership and compensation. These firms prove that a commitment to the advancement of women can produce great results.”