HOUSTON (February 11, 2009) – Vinson & Elkins is pleased to announce that it is joining forces with The Project for Attorney Retention (PAR), an organization that works with law firms to reduce attrition by helping improve the development and promotion of women and minority lawyers.

By becoming a supporting member of PAR, V&E adds a tremendous resource and demonstrates the international law firm's commitment to hire and retain the best and brightest legal minds in the profession.

PAR, which is an initiative of the Center for Work Life Law of the University of California Hastings College of Law, seeks to “to create a legal profession that is more inclusive and more responsive to clients.” The Project conducts research on work/life balance in order to come up with practical solutions for law firms and lawyers on the best practices for achieving this balance. For example, PAR promotes the use of reduced and flexible work schedules as a means of retaining and advancing women lawyers, who would otherwise seek alternatives to the law firm environment.

V&E aims to go above and beyond what others are doing in the market through unique programs dedicated to women and work/life balance as well as diversity. The partnership with PAR is another example of the firm’s ongoing commitment to its attorneys.

For more information, please contact Sharon Lore, V&E attorney initiatives director, at 713.758.2625. You may also contact Mark Curriden, V&E's Director of Communications at 214.220.7879 or via e-mail at mcurriden@velaw.com.