Dickstein, Shapiro has one of the best part-time programs in the country.  The firm listened to the needs of associates and created a policy that would help attorneys balance work and personal lives.  We have heard reports that some attorneys have stayed at the firm because of its high-profile part-time program.  

The firm has one of the higher part-time usage rates in the country, 7%. Only one male attorney works part-time, however, which is surprising.

The firm has a part-time coordinator who is a partner who works part-time herself. PAR modeled its best practice recommendation of appointing a Balanced Hour Coordinator on Dickstein's part-time coordinator.

From the firm's website: "Quality of life is a very high priority at Dickstein Shapiro LLP. The Diversity and Professional Development Quality of Life Committees have a mission to foster an office environment that is consistently employee- and family-friendly. The Committees review and recommend changes to Firm policies and provide input regarding new policies and initiatives. The Firm’s philosophy is that the right policies and procedures create a nurturing environment that encourages employees to do their best work.Many law firms today say that they create family-friendly environments, but Dickstein Shapiro has been a leader in this area sine 1997. “Dickstein’s Quest for Family Values” was the subject of a 1999 article in the Legal Times, a Washington, DC legal publication, and we have been called upon to address the District of Columbia Bar Association regarding our initiatives. The lifestyle balances struck by of a number of our attorneys have been the subject of media profiles."

Also from the website: "Dickstein Shapiro has formally adopted a part-time policy, which we understand to be among the most progressive in Washington, DC, if not the country. We make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests for alternative work schedules while working to assure opportunities for professional growth, experience, and career advancement. For attorneys, this policy includes the appointment of an advisor (currently a Partner who is working a part-time schedule) to confidentially counsel attorneys contemplating part-time arrangements. In addition to providing alternative schedules for attorneys, the Firm provides flexible work schedules for staff. Staff can choose one of three work schedules to allow for flexibility. If these schedules do not work for the employee, we often are able to further adjust schedules depending on the needs of the department in which the employee works.Chargeable HoursAttorneys who work a 50% or greater schedule may remain candidates for Partner. Five of our Partners currently work part-time schedules. In the event an attorney is required to work hours in excess of his/her agreed arrangement in a year, he or she is paid a salary adjustment for those excess hours. Thus, an attorney committed to a 50% schedule who works at a 60% schedule will receive a salary adjustment at the end of the year so as to receive 60% of a full-time salary."