Hanson Bridgett Named one of the Best Law Firms for Women in the U.S. for a 12th Year
June, 2021 - San Francisco, California
June 22, 2021 (San Francisco, CA) – Hanson Bridgett LLP, a preeminent law firm for all of California, began 2021 under the leadership of the firm's first female Managing Partner, supported by the most diverse Management Committee in its 63-year history. Now, midway through a banner year, the firm is pleased to announce it has again been ranked by Seramount, (formerly Working Mother Media) as one of 2021 “Best Law Firms for Women” in the United States. This is the 12th consecutive year the firm has received this ranking. In addition, Hanson's Bridgett's accomplishments landed the firm on Seramount's coveted “Hall of Fame” list for the third time, which is reserved exclusively for those who have been ranked on the list for 10 or more years.
The Seramount list, now in its 14th year, showcases law firms' efforts and successes in finding, retaining, promoting, and developing women lawyers. Rankings are determined through a comprehensive application process that includes responding to more than 300 questions about attorney demographics at different levels, schedule flexibility, paid time off and parental leaves, and development and retention of women.
"This recognition by Seramount is a testament to Hanson Bridgett’s steadfast commitment to being a law firm where diverse attorneys, including women, can and do thrive in every respect,” said Kristina Lawson, Managing Partner. “Since joining Hanson Bridgett four years ago – in no small part because I believed it would support my identity as both a lawyer and a mom – I’ve watched us climb up the Working Mother list. I believe this is a true reflection of the firm’s concrete efforts over the years to attract, mentor and provide real leadership opportunities to women. I’d like to say we’ve broken the glass ceiling as a firm, but I know there is still more glass to break – and we will continue to do just that.”
Of the firm's more than 190 attorneys, women now comprise a record 55% of Hanson Bridgett associates and 39% of its partnership. As part of the firm's dedication to taking real action, female law students and attorneys are offered extensive support as they advance in their careers, including through Hanson Bridgett’s Women's Impact Network. This internal committee brings together all women attorneys in the firm, including summer associates, for leadership training, mentoring and client development.
Additionally, the firm's recruiting committee has taken steps to identify ways to increase the diversity of Hanson Bridgett's summer intern class, which represents the lawyers most likely to join the firm as associates. These efforts have included increasing the participation of women and racially diverse attorneys in interviews with law school students, a strategy that has proven impactful. Last year, 100 percent of the firm's summer class were women, and 75 percent were racially diverse. The firm's 2021 summer class is both 100 percent women and 100 percent diverse.
"As a Latina who has risen through the law firm ranks, I know firsthand how critical it is to feel supported and properly equipped to succeed from day one," said Jennifer Martinez, who became the firm's first Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer in January 2021. "I’m proud that Hanson Bridgett continues to take meaningful steps to support women and diverse attorneys, and importantly, that our leadership reflects those efforts, too."
