Biglaw Perk Watch: Skadden to 18 Weeks
We don't think that we'll post every single announcement about new and improved parental leave policies, since Justin Bernold is already tracking them through this handy-dandy table. But we will let you know about the big ones.
Today's announcement qualifies. The latest firm to move to the new benchmark of 18 weeks paid maternity leave is one of the biggest of the big: Skadden. When all those Skadden hotties become Skadden mommies, they'll be able to enjoy 50 percent more time with their kids than before (the old policy was 12 weeks).
Announcement, after the jump.
SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM LLP -- MEMORANDUM -- MATERNITY AND PARENTAL LEAVE POLICIES
We are pleased to announce a significant expansion of our maternity and parental leave policies. Maternity leave has been increased to 18 weeks of paid leave following the birth of a child. All other primary caregivers are eligible for 12 weeks of paid leave, and non-primary caregivers are eligible for 4 weeks.
This policy, in addition to our Sidebar, Flexible Return from Maternity (FRM) and our Reduced Hours policies, reflects the Firm's support of our attorneys in meeting the challenges of parenthood.
This policy is effective for all births and adoptions occurring on March 1, 2008, or thereafter. The complete policy is attached and will be posted on the Slate in the Attorney Manual, Section 5.
(12) Comments
first!
Milbank needs to step it up. What a sinking ship that firm has become.
"This policy is effective for all births and adoptions occurring on March 1, 2008, or thereafter"
Wow. Any soon-to-be Skadden mommy that goes into labor today or tomorrow better hope they can hold that kid in until midnight Friday night, or else they only get 12 weeks, according to this policy.
11:33, I noticed the same thing. That's kind of crappy - most of them have said that it applies to anyone currently out on maternity leave. Why make all those people angry to save what couldn't possibly be much money?
Cahill is behind the times.
yeah... it's not just those about to have a kid between now and March 1... what about all those currently out on their 12 weeks? raw deal.
grouchy whiners!!!
Lat: how about a survey on salary advances (and other perks) to incoming first year associates? 'tis the season we lowly 3Ls start receiving info.
Skadden can come up with whatever policy it wants. The real question is whether the culture in each Skadden office actually allows people to take advantage of the full leave, or frowns on those who choose to do so.
orrick went to 18 weeks last week. guess you all missed that one.
Lat - can you look into the Orrick situation?
No one ever took the full 12 anyway. Extending it to 18 is disingenuous.