We recognize that the satisfaction and success of our attorneys, particularly our working parents, requires the ongoing development of policies, programs, and a culture that supports work/life balance. Examples include:
Flexible Schedule Policy: Our firm’s policy allows attorneys to customize their individual schedule, affording them the opportunity to create a schedule that balances their personal needs with the needs of their individual practice. Attorneys can customize the number of days per week, the number of hours per day, as well as the total hours worked per year that they work. Most important, the use of our flexible schedule policy does not impair an attorney’s career progression.
Working Parent Network: Allows attorneys an opportunity to share their experiences, challenges and successes, and ideas as it relates to their families and their careers. Based on member input, meetings feature both focused discussions by a speaker or a panel, as well as more casual opportunities to meet and network with parents and expecting parents.
Each office has a designated lead and he/she also serves as a coach to new parents. Attorneys planning for a parental leave are assigned to an attorney coach, who also is a working parent and has recent personal experience managing the leave process. The coaches provide personal support and information about planning for and transitioning back from a parental leave, as well as options associated with flex schedules.
Paid Parental Benefit: In the event of a birth or adoption of a child, and while on an approved leave of absence, 100 percent of base salary can be replaced for up to 10 weeks with our Paid Parental Benefit. Biological mothers are also eligible for short term disability benefits, which provide 100 percent base salary replacement for typically up to eight weeks. These benefits run consecutively.
Back-Up Care Program: This program provides primary caregivers back-up childcare/eldercare services when there is a temporary conflict with their normal childcare/eldercare arrangements. Administered and supported by an outside agency, services are available either in your home or at a qualified childcare facility. The firm subsidizes a majority of the costs, keeping the program very affordable.