The Women in Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF) has again ranked Reed Smith Gold Standard Certified in the US for 2019, and has ranked the Firm Gold Standard Certified in its inaugural award for the UK. WILEF grants Gold Standard status to major firms that meet objective criteria concerning the number of women among equity partners, in firm leadership positions, and in the ranks of their most highly compensated partners. Reed Smith has achieved Gold Standard Certification in the US every year since WILEF began the award in 2011, and is one of only three firms awarded Gold Standard Certification for both the US and UK for 2019.
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In the US, Gold Standard Certification requires that the firm meet both the mandatory criterion that:

  • 20% of equity partners or, alternatively, 33% of the attorneys becoming equity partners during the past twelve months are women

and at least three of the following five criteria:

  • 15% of firm and U.S. branch office heads are women
  • 20% of the firm’s primary governance committee are women
  • 20% of the firm’s compensation committee or its equivalent are women
  • 15% of the top half of the firm’s equity partners in terms of compensation are women
  • 7% of women equity partners are women of color or 3.5% of women equity partners are LGBT

Reed Smith is one of 14 firms that met all six criteria for 2019. 

For the first year of WILEF UK Gold Standard Certification, firms needed to meet three of the five following criteria:

  • 20% of equity partners or, alternatively, 33% of the attorneys becoming equity partners during the past twelve months are women
  • 20% of the firm’s primary governance committee are women
  • 20% of the firm’s compensation committee or its equivalent are women
  • 15% of the top half of the firm’s equity partners in terms of compensation are women
  • 7% of women equity partners are non-white or 3.5% of women equity partners are LGBT

Reed Smith is one of four firms that met all five criteria for 2019.   

For more information, visit The WILEF Tribune

About Reed Smith

Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. Our belief is that by delivering smarter and more creative legal services, we will not only enrich our clients’ experiences with us, but also support them in achieving their business goals.

Our long-standing relationships, international outlook, and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for the speedy resolution of complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters.

For further information, please visit reedsmith.com.