Asset Management Partner Melissa Bender Profiled in “How I Made Partner” by Law.com

In The News
April 10, 2019

Asset management partner Melissa Bender has been profiled in an April 10 feature, “How I Made Partner,” on Law.com. The column features recent partners at Am Law 200 firms, sharing their unique journeys to becoming partner.

Ms. Bender began her career at the firm’s Boston office in 2000, went in-house with a client for a few years, and then rejoined the firm in late 2005. For nearly a decade, she worked remotely as part of the firm’s off-site program, before moving to the San Francisco and Silicon Valley offices in 2013. Ms. Bender was promoted to partner in 2018.

In the profile, Ms. Bender shared that the biggest surprise since making partner was the reaction she received from other women who said her journey to making partner has been inspiring – crediting her unusual background, including her in-house, off-site and part-time work experience. Ms. Bender also discussed how her journey speaks to the culture at Ropes & Gray, one that invests in the growth and talent of women lawyers.

On the best piece of advice for associates aspiring to become partners, Ms. Bender said, “Be fearless. When something feels hard or uncomfortable, push yourself to stick with it. Find a firm that shares your values and inspires you to achieve your goals.”