Last week I asked if small-firm associates are screwed. According to the two who wrote to me directly, the answer is no. They both enjoy their small firms and are learning a lot from their small-firm partners/mentors. Interestingly, neither of them mentioned their future at the small-firm (i.e. what their chances are of making partner?) but instead focused solely on the present.
Nevertheless, I did not hear from any small-firm associates who said they are screwed. In other words, last week’s column did not go far enough in crushing the hopes and dreams of small-firm attorneys. Thus, this week I ask a (hopefully) even more depressing question: are small firms a good place for women attorneys who want to have a family?
While I have thought about and discussed this question many times before, it did not bear repeating until the Wall Street Journal asked a related question yesterday: does your office allow you to leave early (assuming you are not Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg)?
So, here goes. Ladies and gentleman it’s survey time, and I want to know if your firm has a pink ghetto.
The Perils of An Early Sign-Off [Wall Street Journal]

Why Better Billing Statements Can Improve Your Firm’s Finances—And Your Client Relationships
Outdated billing is costing law firms money. Discover how clear, modern billing practices boost profits, trust, and cash flow in 2025.
When not writing about small law firms for Above the Law, Valerie Katz (not her real name) works at a small firm in Chicago. You can reach her by email at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at @ValerieLKatz.