Hogan Lovells achieves first Gold Standard in UK from Women in Law Empowerment Forum, seventh in succession for U.S.

"The repeated receipt of the U.S. Gold Standard is a testament to our dedication in supporting the progression of women in the firm. This success is supported by innovative programs and processes and robust commitment at all levels of the firm," said Leslie Richards-Yellen, Hogan Lovells Director of Inclusion-Americas. "This is more than window dressing: our culture is stronger when it is more inclusive. Also, clients want to see evidence that firms’ commitment to advancing women and diverse lawyers are core values of the firms they hire. WILEF recognition is an important yardstick to measure this commitment."

WILEF seeks to improve opportunities for women in the largest law firms and corporate law departments. Gold Standard Certification emphasizes the number of leadership roles filled by women rather than the policies or practices of the firm, or the overall number or percentage of women in the partnership.

"We are so pleased to be recognized for the work we are doing to increase the gender balance of our partnership and management teams. This is confirmation of our longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion," said Julie Thomas, Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion, and Wellbeing. "We are working to increase the gender balance in our partnership and management teams through active sponsorship, stronger focus on the talent pipeline, and embedding an inclusive culture. Globally across our business women fulfill 34% of management roles."

Since 2011, WILEF has awarded firms with Gold Standard Certification for meeting specific criteria based on the percentage of women in numerous roles, including equity partner, office head, and positions on governance committees. The certification also takes into account support for all women, including minority and LGBT+ women. To achieve recognition, firms must have at least 300 practicing lawyers in the United States with at least 20 percent of women as equity partners or at least one third of partner promotions in the last 12 months. In the UK, the criteria are similarly robust, but firms must have at least 100 lawyers.

Hogan Lovells reported a positive partner pay gap in favor of women in the UK for the second time in 2019.

More information about WILEF and Gold Standard Certification can be found here. 

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"Hogan Lovells" or the "firm" is an international legal practice that includes Hogan Lovells US LLP and Hogan Lovells International LLP. For more information, see www.hoganlovells.com.