(CHICAGO) Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP announced today that the firm was selected by Working Mother magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies of 2013. This is the seventh consecutive year Katten has been named to this list that recognizes companies implementing progressive policies to support, attract and retain busy parents.
"At Katten we've remained committed to providing our employees with policies that provide security and flexibility and still enable them to grow and succeed at different stages of their careers and their lives," said Vincent A. F. Sergi, Katten Chairman. "It's always an honor to be recognized by Working Mother as one of the 100 companies that are doing it best."
Katten was specifically recognized for its strong policies in the areas of flexible work options, leave options and childcare this year. The firm was also praised for creating alliances with and sponsoring prominent organizations that focus on women in the workplace, providing Katten employees the opportunity to network and find potential mentors. Katten established its Women's Leadership Forum in 2004 which helps drive many of the firm's innovative programs and policies to help employees with everything from financial wellness to work-life balance.
"Katten gives employees the flexibility and support needed to be successful both at work and at home," said Karin Berg, Insolvency and Restructuring partner and national chair of Katten's Women's Leadership Forum. "To be named one of the 100 best companies in this area is a tribute to the efforts of many people in our firm, and we will work hard to continue improving our programs and policies to reflect the changing needs of our working parents."
Katten offers innovative leave and flexibility policies. For example, to ease the transition back to work, Katten offers attorneys the 60/60/80 Program following the firm's three-month paid maternity or adoption leave. This includes a 60 percent work schedule for the first two months following maternity leave and an 80 percent work schedule for the third month. In addition, after completing a fifth year of work at the firm, associates at Katten can take a one-month paid sabbatical that can be added onto maternity leave.
Employees at Katten can request alternative work schedules allowing them the flexibility to meet both client and family needs. Subsidized coverage is also offered for backup child care or care for aging parents in the home or at a facility in a location of preference.
The 2013 Working Mother 100 Best Companies application includes more than 550 questions on workforce representation, child care, flexibility programs, leave policies and more. It surveys the availability, usage and tracking of programs, as well as the accountability of managers who oversee them. This year's assessment gave particular weight to flexible work arrangements, women's advancement programs and paid maternity leave. Working Mother magazine reaches more than two million readers and is the only national magazine for career-committed mothers.
In August, Katten was named one of the "50 Best Law Firms for Women" by Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers.
