Women’s Initiative Network (WIN)
Programs and Initiatives
To support the recruitment, retention, and promotion of women attorneys, Snell & Wilmer has implemented several firm-wide programs and policies.
Through these and other programs and benefits, we intend to continue — and expand — our commitment to hiring, retaining, and promoting the best attorneys.
Women’s Business Development Program
focused on increasing business development and leadership skills, with the goal of increasing the number of women attorneys successfully advancing to partnership.
Cross-office programs and events
specifically for women attorneys to encourage networking, marketing, and mentoring opportunities. One such signature event is the annual Women’s Event in Phoenix, which is attended by over 150 Snell & Wilmer women attorneys and their women clients.
An Alternative Work Arrangement (AWA)
partnership track reduced-schedule program, administered by a designated AWA coordinator.
A graduated, reduced-hours schedule
during the months before and after an attorney’s parental leave, for those attorneys who wish to take advantage of it.
Jill Perrella’s Q&A about the Women’s Business Development Program:
Do you think that women in the legal marketplace have unique challenges with respect to business development and advancement?
“I do think women in the legal marketplace have unique challenges with respect to business development and advancement. Advancement of women within the legal field (i.e., women becoming partner at a firm, women being named chief in-house counsel, etc.) continues to lag far behind that of men, due at least in part to the common struggle of many women to balance family and outside of work commitments with her career. This struggle to find balance in turn affects her ability to devote significant time to marketing and business development efforts, and narrows the pool of similarly situated professional women to which a female lawyer might successfully connect with and pitch business.”
Were there any specific things about the program (events or books or meetings) that you found helpful to you?
“This program featured many wonderful and informative presentations related to marketing and business development, and presented the opportunity for women at a similar level within the firm to get to know one another and learn from each other.”
How did the program help you grow as an attorney or as a leader? For example, did it encourage you to do business development you would not otherwise have done?
“The program definitely helped me grow as an attorney in terms of business development. By requiring me to document and discuss my business development goals and accomplishments on a very regular (weekly or bi-weekly) basis, the program held me accountable and really forced me to focus on and think critically and creatively about my marketing efforts in the near and far future. As a result, I developed and pursued marketing strategies I might not have otherwise attempted or even considered.”
At Snell & Wilmer, we are focused on creating an environment where our women attorneys excel — and thrive. From small cohort business development programs, to individualized income and equity partner mentoring, to thoughtful policies concerning parental leave and alternative work arrangements, we are proud of our firm’s commitment to the professional advancement of our women lawyers, at all stages of their careers.
Amy F. Sorenson
Partner, Salt Lake City
Sponsorships
As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing issues and opportunities regarding women in the law, Snell & Wilmer frequently sponsors industry programs, conferences and firm events furthering the advancement of women attorneys and professionals.
