Ropes & Gray LLP

"Decent place to work, but with all law firms, cultural nuances impact each role."

"Ropes is a typical big law firm and it will take as many of your waking hours as you are willing to give. Although recent partner classes have been fairly well-balanced between men and women, my experience is that it is very difficult to reach the highest levels at the firm unless you are childless or unless you have a stay at home spouse. While the firm has part-time and flex programs, it seems that those who participate are paid less for the same amount of work. If you are committed to the lifestyle and comfortable with the trade offs, you will enjoy sophisticated work with talented colleagues. "

"The professional development department consisted entirely of women, yet the leadership in charge of approving our plans, budgets, and programs consisted almost entirely of men."

"Typical law firm hours and intensity but extremely woman and parent friendly. Fantastic parental leave policies for both men and women as well as top shelf healthcare coverage. I took 6 months maternity leave and only 3 weeks were unpaid. Plenty of diversity at all levels. I find it a wonderful place to be a working mother because the firm offers a great deal of flexibility of scheduling and hours to accommodate outside responsibilities. Work from home arrangements, flex time and reduce hours are commonplace."