The firm's alternative work arrangement coordinator is a part-time
partner.
Attorneys work with their practice groups and firm management
to develop flexible work arrangements. Attorneys who work more
than their agreed-upon hours may be compensated through bonuses
-- but the firm states that it is decided on a case by case
basis.
These two comments were from attorneys at the firm, submitted
around 2001 and 2002. As noted above, things may be changing
substantially at the firm.
Part-time work is viewed as indicating a lack of commitment
to the job and the firm. At the same time, Management
does very little to facilitate flexible schedules and otherwise
assist full-time lawyers who are also full-time parents to balance
their lives, including not paying adequate salaries to allow
for the type of child care that would allow the attorneys to
work the hours they require.
I would say this firm is doing all it can to drive away
women lawyers who have children. Most women wait to have
children until they make partner. Part-time for men to
take care of their children is not an option; in fact, the firm
barely tolerates male lawyers taking time off for the birth
of a child beyond the actual day of the birth.
