Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP announced today its participation as a launch partner of "LeanIn.org," a nonprofit public benefit organization launched by Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook, in conjunction with the publication of her book "Lean In: Women, Work & the Will to Lead." LeanIn.org is dedicated to promoting a better dialogue about the challenges women face in the workplace and thus encouraging women to pursue their ambitions.
"We are extremely excited about the mission of LeanIn.org to take to the next level the dialogue about how women thrive and lead in corporate America, including in the professional services arena," said Mitch Zuklie, chair-elect of Orrick. "This is an imperative for law firms and all businesses – we simply need strong female voices to innovate and compete."
"We care about Leaning In here at Orrick for three very simple reasons: (1) half of our newly-minted lawyers are women and their trajectory is critical to our success; (2) women bring perspectives to problem solving that are critical to delivering the best advice to our clients, and (3) women, like everyone else, will find success where they are wanted and needed and understood," said Karen Johnson-McKewan, a partner and Co-chair of Orrick’s Women’s Initiative.
Founded in 2003 and co-led today by Ms. Johnson-McKewan and partner Leah Sanzari, Orrick's Women's Initiative supports the professional development needs of its women lawyers by, among other things, educating and informing all the firm's lawyers about issues affecting women in the practice of law. Orrick is recognized for offering some of the most advanced programs and policies in the legal profession to recruit, promote and retain women lawyers, including its Women's Affinity Group, Parents' Forum, alternative work schedule policy, career coaches, on-ramping program, and sponsorship of and participation in women-focused seminars.
Orrick partner Karen Dempsey, who is leading the firm’s partnership with LeanIn.org, noted: "Our partnership with LeanIn.org provides another valuable tool for the women and men at Orrick who are committed to mentoring women and helping them advance."
Earlier this year, Orrick was awarded "Best Mentoring Program" at the 2013 Chambers Women in Law Awards. The firm also earned a perfect score of 100 percent for the seventh consecutive year in the 2013 Human Rights Campaign Foundation's annual Corporate Equality Index and Best Places to Work survey and was named one of the 2012 Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers "50 Best Law Firms for Women."
About LeanIn.org
Sparked by Sheryl Sandberg's book “Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead,” LeanIn.Org consists of three integrated programs. 1) Lean In Community brings women and men together to share stories and have daily conversations around topics that will help them achieve their goals. 2) Lean In Education offers access to free online lectures, produced in collaboration with the Clayman Institute for Gender Studies at Stanford University, on topics including creating successful teams, combating gender bias, negotiating, and advocating for your ideas. 3) Lean In Circles are small groups that meet monthly to learn together and share experiences in an atmosphere of confidentiality and trust. For more information, visit
www.LeanIn.Org