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PAR's Weblog

Check out the latest work/life news for lawyers at PAR's weblog, "Up to PAR." Commentary on news, alerts about trends, and discussion of personnel management practices are yours for the clicking.

Read more in the Up To PAR weblog archive.


Infobit: Since 1985, law schools have been graduating classes of new lawyers that are 40% or more female. Yet in 1996, only 14.2% of law firm partners were women, and in 2005, only 17.2% were women. (Note: this figure is for all partners; the number of equity partners is lower.) Source: Catalyst. At this rate of increase, women should make up half of law firm partners by the year 2115.

For past Infobits, check our the Infobit Archive.


Foley & Lardner

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We have received comments about how well some firms' part-time programs are working.  These comments are often anonymous and cannot be verified; therefore, they should be viewed as unreliable and given no more weight than gossip.

If you would like to comment on this firm's part-time policies or on the comments themselves, please click here.

Comments on the firm's part-time policy:

PAR has heard reports that as many as 60 attorneys work flexibly or part-time.

There is no written minimum numbers of hours to be worked. At least one person works a 50% schedule. Most people on reduced schedules work 80% or 60%.

There is a requirement that associates work at least one year full time before going on a reduced hours schedule. However, the firm does have some new hires who are on a part-time schedule.

Part-time associates have been promoted to partner.  

There is no limit to how long associates can work on a part-time basis. The firm does, however, want some indication from the associate when he or she might return to a full-time schedule. Associates do not have to return to a full-time basis before being considered for partnership.  Partners are allowed to work on a reduced schedule only for 2 years. 

Attorneys working on a 80% reduced schedule retain full benefits. However, when they go down to 60% their benefits, such as vacation, are reduced proportionately.

Part-time workers are eligible for bonuses. Bonuses are pro-rated at the reduced hours level. Bonuses are granted on a two-tiered basis. One is for hours alone and one is discretionary.







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