Comments on the firm's part-time policy:

Davis Polk's usage rate for its part-time program is 3%, which is below the national average.

Davis Polk's website also reports that the firm "has long offered a part-time program for lawyers." As of June 2006, 26 non-partner lawyers participated in the program. Of the 26 lawyers who participate, 24 are women. "Many of our part-time lawyers have elected to work on a reduced schedule for childcare or family reasons." As of February 2007, 5 counsel and 25 associates work on a part-time or flex-time basis. (These numbers may include their international offices.)

One associate reports that Davis Polk refers to its part-time program as "flex time" in recognition of the reality that lawyers in the program, depending on their type of work, often work hours closer to full-time than to part-time. Although the firm does not have a minimum billable requirement, associates who bill 2000 hours receive full pay even if they are enrolled the flex-time program. Also, non-billable hours such as pro bono, training, internal research, and knowledge management, all count towards fulfilling flex-time hours.

Before last year, part- and flex-time attorneys were not eligible for partnership until they had returned to full-time work at the firm for at least 2 years. Davis Polk has recently implemented a new policy that allows such attorneys to become partner while working part-time. However, as one associate reports, no part-time attorneys have yet been promoted under the new policy.