Big Firm Invites Only Women to the Partners' Table

Not so long ago -- like seconds ago -- it would be business as usual for a law firm to promote only male partners.

Today, it shouldn't be unusual for a law firm to promote only female partners. But it is; and that's why it's news.

No matter which way you slice it, however, it is good news. Welcome, ladies, to the class of 2018.

The Trendsetter

Cravath Swaine & Moore has been a trendsetter for years, largely for setting the standard for associate salaries. They did it again earlier this year, paying new attorneys $190,000 to start.

Now the big law firm has announced an all-women partnership class for 2018. It is not the first time; the firm promoted three women and no men to partners in 2016.

The firm's commitment to "integrating women into the top levels of the profession is genuine," said Above the Law. Here are the new partners:

• Lauren Roberta Kennedy
• Sasha A. Rosenthal-Larrea
• Allison M. Wein

The firm's presiding partner made the announcement. It wasn't about women; it was about evolution.

"Highly Skilled and Talented"

Faiza Saeed, the first female to lead the firm, said the new partners are "highly skilled and talented lawyers."

"They are active in the firm's diversity efforts, including our Women's Initiative, and each has been involved in student recruitment and associate mentorship as well," Saeed said.

Twenty-three percent of the partners at Cravath are women. Two third's of the firm's last three partnership classes have been female.

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