The "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" is a compilation of corporations that recognize the value and needs of working families. In its October issue, Working Mother chose the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" based on six criteria: (a) percentage of women in workforce; (b) child care support; (c) flexibility; (d) leave for new parents; (e) work/life balance; and (f) advancement of women.

"A family-friendly large law firm" was the characterization used by Working Mother editors in the October issue. "To many beleaguered working mothers on the partnership track, that must sound like an oxymoron. But not to the moms at Morrison & Foerster."

"Helping our employees to balance home and work life is one of the firm's core values, so it is particularly pleasing to be recognized once again by Working Mother magazine," commented Keith Wetmore, Chair of Morrison & Foerster.

The firm has been widely recognized for its track record of innovation in creating a family-friendly workplace. Among the recent policies introduced by the firm are a prenatal and lactation program, expansion of its backup emergency childcare and elder care programs, and a paid adoption leave benefit. The adoption benefit, which applies to either parent, provides a percentage of an employee's regular salary for up to four weeks. The firm has also instituted new holidays for individual birthdays and community service contribution.

Morrison & Foerster has received numerous awards for its support of both the career advancement and the family life of its employees. In 1993, the firm received the prestigious Catalyst Award, which is presented annually to corporations and professional firms that demonstrate a commitment to the leadership development of female employees. Morrison & Foerster is the only law firm to have received the Catalyst Award. In 1998, Morrison & Foerster was named by Fortune Magazine in its first list of 100 Best Companies to Work for in America.

Founded in 1883, Morrison & Foerster is one of the largest international law firms, with offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Century City, Orange County, San Diego, Palo Alto, Walnut Creek, Sacramento, Denver, New York, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, London, Brussels, Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Tokyo.

NOTE: For more information about the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers, please visit Working Mother's web site.