Featured Job Survey: Is Your Firm Family Friendly?
This blog has posted several entries over the last few months, and even this morning, about law firms updating their parental leave policies. That’s a great trend in the industry, but there’s probably not an associate pirate out there who doesn’t still get at least a call a week from associates who want to go part-time, but just don’t feel comfortable asking their firms.
So today’s ATL / Lateral Link survey explores both the substance and the accessibility of your firm’s policies.
Update: This survey is now closed. Click here, here, here, and here for the results.
—
Justin Bernold is a Director at Lateral Link, the sponsor of this survey.
(0) Comments
Comments
elitist list of law school will not get Lat laid by blonde american boy
this is a somewhat family-related question: i'm engaged and we're thinking of a wedding next year. I'll be a first year at a big non-ny shop this fall doing litigation. do you think its possible to take 2 weeks off the first year at a big firm and still do alright (in terms of billables, just getting the work done, partner perception, etc.)
12:53 -- It's not even fully elitist; it's just plain random. Brooklyn's up there while countless other schools of equal or higher ranking are missing. What gives, Lat?
List of law schools in this survey is obvious Brooklyn and Fordham trolling.
Hey 1:08, as a general rule, any firm worth working for will understand that weddings are major life events, and that taking two weeks off is a cultural norm. Most firms will be supportive.
On the hours front, you'll certainly take a hit, not just from the 2 weeks off but during the time leading up to the wedding. Try to get in higher hours earlier in the year so that it balances out at the end. (As a junior litigator, you may be able to get substantial hours in document review if you make it clear that you're willing to do it and, while not fun, familiarity with the documents can open up other roles for you as the case progresses.)
Thanks 1:29!
When you say "on a scale of 1 to 5" what does the scale mean? Does 1 or 5 correspond to the most important?
2:07, on a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you really need an answer? ;)
Justin - how about you keep a list of where law firms are on parental leave? Sort of like the list Lat kept going showing who was being delinquent on raising salaries. Those lists made a big influence at some firms that were reluctant to give associate salary raises - a list like this could likewise make a world of difference in parental benefits.
Excellent job with the picture
Sadly, few firms offer any adoption benefits.
Um, why can't a Yale graduate and former Wachtell attorney figure out how to create decent charts (i.e., with meaningful scales) after multiple threads?
The first question should also have given the option of working more hours for more pay.
"familiarity with the documents can open up other roles for you as the case progresses"
I'm still laughing
3:28- good idea