Goodwin Procter Helps Sandwich (Generation)
The Baby Boomers (the generation that was dealt a resounding defeat last week) is also sometimes called the “Sandwich Generation.” Boomers like to claim that they are the first generation (in the history of “ever” apparently) to have to take care of both their parents and their children while they are still working.
Whiners.
Inter-generational aspersions aside, Goodwin Procter is actually doing something that should help Boomers out. They’ve instituted a very interesting new benefits package:
Free, round-the-clock access to a telephone support center that provides information on services for the elderly, the disabled, and the family members who care for them.
This is a program that could actually help attorneys. As anybody who has ever served as a part-time caretaker/full-time worker can attest to, getting the appropriate information is half the battle.
More details on Goodwin’s program after the jump.
The hotline will be staffed by registered nurses and professional social workers. From the firm’s perspective, the goal is obviously to increase the productivity of their attorneys:
“With our workforce facing the issue of elderly people living longer, it became apparent to us that our employees could use a resource that would help them not only with issues facing their families and children, but with care they have to provide to elderly and disabled relatives,” said Goodwin Procter’s human resources director, Ann Lamson, who estimates that between a quarter and a third of the firm’s 1,700 employees are older than 45.
The hotline can also be accessed by family members of Goodwin attorneys.
These are the kinds of issues people are trying to capture when they talk about “quality of life.” It’s not all about hours and pay (and holiday parties). Making stressful situations a little easier, that’s what we want from employers. Good job Goodwin Procter.
Are there other firms with similar programs? Perhaps it’s something worth bringing up at the next “work-life balance” committee meeting.
Goodwin Procter offers family caregiver benefit [Boston Globe]
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Comments
first
maybe this would be helpful if they had someone to take my mom to the doctor's office! what good is a phone number to call?
you suck, elie!
Elie, you are terrible.
Who made this post? Goodwin's HR Director? This post is pure fluff which fails to mention that GP does not have an employee handbook, so attorneys are constantly left wondering where they stand vis a vis the ever changing firm policy. No movement on extended maternity or paternity leave to bring Goodwin in line with market. Did I mention no 401k matching either for associates? Keep your elder care, give associates something we can use.
Seriously? And I thought the circle-jerk sock posting was bad.
Who made this post? Goodwin's HR Director? This post is pure fluff which fails to mention that GP does not have an employee handbook, so attorneys are constantly left wondering where they stand vis a vis the ever changing firm policy. No movement on extended maternity or paternity leave to bring Goodwin in line with market. Did I mention no 401k matching either for associates? Keep your elder care, give associates something we can use.
These sandwhiches are making me....
Elie, has anyone told you that you can't write worth a shit? Also, why is it necessary to throw in the comment about the "resounding blow" that was dealt to the "sandwich generation"?? How is this related to the story?
"The Baby Boomers (the generation that was dealt a resounding defeat last week)" WTF!!! You really can't make it an entire day without bringing your own personal politics into it, can you? Seriously. Why don't you focus on things relevant to law firms. Better yet, why not quit? Everyone will be much happier, you piece of shit.
The claim that the boomers are the first generation to take care of both their children and their aging parents seems demonstrably false. Is there something I'm missing here?
Services by phone are worthless. Benefits for adult dependents would provide some real assistance.
Elie needs a resounding blow to his twin peaked donut infested jowls.
The sandwich generation was last seen in a communal fridge at Umich.
Typical of the BS one finds in the upper 49 states. Too bad those freaks will never pimp the scene down in Orlando/Kissimmee/St. Cloud.
Elie is going to eat the sandwich generation in a one man effort to solve this country's social security problem. Or maybe he is just hungry.
In any event, Suck It Mystal.
Elie,
John McCain is not a baby boomer. He was born in 1936. Additionally, Obama won 50% of 45-64 year olds. Your statement that baby boomers were defeated last week makes no sense and reminds everyone that you rarely know what you're talking about.
"the issue of elderly people living longer'
Nice.
Just ask any working single parent: having "information" is at least five-sixths of the battle.
Moron.
12:14,
What are you talking about? I know a few people at Goodwin and they seem to have a maternity/paternity policy that matches the market in Boston. Also, what firm in Boston matches 401Ks for associates? I have always considered Goodwin to be the only place in Boston I could see myself moving to ... you're one of the first Goodwin people I've met who I've heard criticize the place (assuming, of course, that you work at GP).
6,
You really need to calm down. Yes this post is pretty crazy. But I am not aware of any firm (anywhere) that does 401k matching for associates.
I get that you want to hate on Goodwin, more power to you. This post is a farce. But let's try and be at least a wee bit rational, m'kay?
Name one firm in any market that is matching 401k's before you go all crazy on us.
I thought Goodwin was bought out by Brobeck?
BREAKING NEWS: Supreme Court involves itself in Obama citizenship issue; DNC ordered to respond by December 1, 2008.
"Mr. Berg filed a Writ of Certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court late in October, in an effort to force Mr. Obama to produce the document.
"Accordingly, the U.S. Supreme Court has said that Mr. Obama, the DNC and all co-defendants are to respond to the writ, on or before Dec. 1."
http://www.thebulletin.us/site/index.cfm?newsid=20193200&BRD=2737&PAG=461&dept_id=576361&rfi=8
http://www.obamacrimes.com/index.php/news/52-us-supreme-court-awaits-response-to-berg-writ-of-certiorari-from-obama
Brobeck, Thelen, and Heller are matching 401k's.
How does this affect 3rd year associates at SkaddenDC?
I thought someone stole another sandwich. Turns out it was just a phone call away.
Elie,
I don't care either way, but aren't you worried about how the pounding you take here every day is going to effect you psychologically? I would be.
@22, I laughed.
Love, 19.
Within 5-10 years Goodwin will sit alone atop Boston's legal market.
Ropes who? Wilmer what?
worst headline ever.
As a young associate whose father has passed away and mother is getting on in years, this is the type of benefit that really makes me want to work at a firm like Goodwin. I mean, when it comes down to it, I want a firm to provide me with services that might otherwise be difficult or costly to get for myself. Other firms can keep their free pizza when the wind chill is X or the biannual clambake, I'll take benefits like this.
Bravo Goodwin.
25 -- I'm getting pounded? I really hadn't noticed.
But here, take some rosemary, that's for remembrance; pray, love, remember: and there is pansies. That's for thoughts.There's fennel for you, and columbines. There's rue for you; and here's some for me.
"Did I mention no 401k matching either for associates?"
What major firms have 401k matching?
I know 15 already mentioned this, but Elie has probably already eaten 15 for his insolence... According to Wikipedia, "Baby boomer is a term used to describe a person who was born during the Post-World War II baby boom between 1946 and 1964." Elie please go eat yourself to death.
According to Wikipedia "Baby boomer is a term used to describe a person who was born during the Post-World War II baby boom between 1946 and 1964." Elie, please go eat yourself to death.
18 and 19
Cleary matches up to about $4,000.
http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=571339&mc=27&forum_id=2
Wilmer and Ropes provide longer paid maternity and paternity leave than Goodwin.
This would never happen in Texas.
The feds match my TSP/401K contributions to 5%. Suck it firm/frat boys.
Firms match your $50,000 salary... Suck it gov/bottomfeeder.
Sounds like poor #27 is stuck working at the 4th most prestigious firm in Boston. Being ranked lower than Ropes or Wilmer was a given, but somehow Goodwin even fell behind Skadden Boston in the 2009 vault rankings.
Elie, you got the job (and the law degree) because of affirmative action. But, like all affirmative action recipients, your posts demonstrate that you are unable to keep up with everyone else. This blog is a shadow of its former self. Focker out.
Please don't fire Elie. It's comments like No. 14 that provides my daily dose of comic releif.
Goodwin Procter Boston ranked hire than SkaddenDC, however.
Is Mystal fat enough to be considered an entire generation unto himself? Perhaps the Hoagie Generation?
#37,
Find me one person in Boston not working at Skadden Boston that actually thinks it is better than Goodwin.
Obviously Ropes is still considered a slight notch above, but with Goodwin's global expansion and recent domination in private equity and litigation work, Goodwin is on the way to becoming the best in Boston. (and no, I don't work at any of these firms)
Is GULC more or less valuable than an OPHJ?
-GW 1L
I really cannot stand Elie.
41-
this notch you speak of is not really so slight.
And yet, Goodwin is (and has been) a more profitable firm for years, is generally considered to have a better work environment, and matches any bonuses that Ropes gives out. What does this not so slight notch get me again?
10 -yes, you're missing something. Boomers aren't claiming they're the first generation to take care of their parents and children, but that they're the first generation to take care of their parents and children *while working*. Different.
Lots of Boston firms match 401(k) contributions.
Foley Hoag matches 401k
Lots of Boston firms match 401(k)? Please list them ... because I just went through the list of the 10 biggest ones in Boston in my head and couldn't think of even one that does.
36 - $60K and I hope you enjoy responding to the enforcement actions I'm taking. Your billables should hit 1200 this year if you're lucky...oh wait, I'll have to put that off til Wed. because tomorrow is another federal holiday.
45 - Goodwin has a gigantic group of income (read "pretend") partners who are not counted in their profits per partner calculation, unlike Ropes, who has a 1-tier partnership system and doesn't play games with the denominator in the PPP equation. Goodwin's system makes the PPP comparison meaningless. And, to answer your question, you miss out on a more sophisticated practice, better exit opportunities, and an all-around better place to work.
41/45
better work environment. that was a "not joke" right?
Best in Region
#1 - Boston
Quality of Life
#3 - Best to Work for
#13 - Satisfaction
#7 - Associate/Partner Relations
#2 - Formal Training
#4 - Compensation
#14 - Selectivity
51,
lol at "more sophisticated practice" as if goodwin is some shingle firm doing divorces and wills. that boat don't float.
Ropes also has one of the ugliest websites I've ever seen. (Cue the "so does Wachtell, so Ropes =Wachtell" people)
As for the partner thing, at Goodwin you become a income partner at 6.5 years and then an equity partner 2-3 years later. At Ropes you become a partner after 9 years. So where is the benefit of Ropes partnership track?
(check nalpdirectory if you don't believe the above)
We all know Vault is useless, but check Chambers Rankings. Goodwin has more top tier and more recognized practices than either Ropes or Wilmer in Boston. Fact.
Re: 41/45 vs 44/51/52--
Anyone who tries to put Goodwin Proctor on the same level as Ropes & Gray is simply being an Elie. Get your head out of your Mystal and join reality.
Boston Globe just released their Top 100 Places to Work in Massachusetts.
Goodwin ranked #30.
Ropes wasn't on the list.
55 - Wow.
53 - you can keep your real estate, environmental and bank regulatory work. And it's nice that you believe the 2-3 years line they fed you.
But you are correct about the website.
HOW HAS NOBODY MADE A CRUCIBLE JOKE YET.
Goodie Procter is a witch! Burn her!
56,
What about Private Equity?
Goodwin > Ropes
Litigation?
Goodwin > Ropes
Keep your general corporate work and your ampersand.
Uh-oh - 56 - You are just plain wrong on both of those counts.
Chambers has both firms in 1st tier for PE buyouts.
Chambers has both firms in 1st tier for litigation.
Chambers has Ropes first tier and goodwin second tier in PE fund formation.
Result - Ropes schools Goodwin.
Unless.... did 56 actually think that the alphabetical rankings used by chambers are intended to denote a hierarchy within a tier? (shaking head) oh dear, if 56 represents goodwin, goodwin might be in a tougher situation that I thought.
hahaha. GP > R&G. right.
wake up 41, 45, 55, 58. you dont always have to be in first place. you are each special in your own ways.
55-
well, shit, looks like I'm going to quit my job at #16-- Bright Horizons Family Solution and go straight to #1-- Winchester Community Hospital. Or -- I could get most of the way up the ladder to #4 and work at the law firm of Bromberg Sunstein with their $3 million in revenue last year.
If you need rankings, at least stick to the sources that are relevant to the context. 52 outlined it for you nicely.
Ropes fucked up their summer hiring for next year. They can't even get their rejection letters out in under two months, let alone their offers, and it's cause they're horribly oversubscribed.
Cliff Notes:
Some dudes working at Goodwin like Goodwin better or at least say they do to make themselves feel better.
Other dudes at Ropes like Ropes better or at least say they do to make themselves feel better.
Anyone know what ropes is doing about the massive oversubscription? Anyone know how bad it is, especially for the Boston office? Are they revoking offers? I realize it's bad PR, but for all the firms out there with the same problem, isn't it better just to take the hit and get their summer numbers back in line with what they need?
Goodwin is so not market, but they can keep opening offices to make them think they are.
Maternity policy is NOT market. They pay 12 weeks and have punted on going to the market of 18. Disgraceful. Regardless of whether this directly affects you, this is classic Goodwin being a follower - that is if they eventually do the right thing which is doubtful.
There is a lot of talk (some from loose-lipped partners) that there will not be bonuses this year. And even if there are, most people doubt that they will honor the policy that 100% of pro bono hours count towards your 1850.
There is no EE handbook for lawyers.
But I'm so glad Goodwin's marketing department keeps winning all those awards and that we have this new call center perk - sweet.
Goodwin is so not market, but they can keep opening offices to make them think they are.
Maternity policy is NOT market. They pay 12 weeks and have punted on going to the market of 18. Disgraceful. Regardless of whether this directly affects you, this is classic Goodwin being a follower - that is if they eventually do the right thing which is doubtful.
There is a lot of talk (some from loose-lipped partners) that there will not be bonuses this year. And even if there are, most people doubt that they will honor the policy that 100% of pro bono hours count towards your 1850.
There is no EE handbook for lawyers.
But I'm so glad Goodwin's marketing department keeps winning all those awards and that we have this new call center perk - sweet.
Not sure if this post is a joke, as it is the first I've heard. But it wouldn't be the first time that GP isn't exactly forthcoming with info and is scooped by the media.
Look, Goodwin is generally a good place to work. The problem is that they are not "market" when they claim they are. GP is always a follower in terms of $$, benefits, etc. Associates are frustrated and cannot seem to understand what is gained by this strategy and recruits notice. We lose the Ropes/Wilmer battle 99% of the time because of things like this that's for certian.
If this Boomer benefit thing is real, great. But please don't be at the expense of things like upping the maternity. Please don't go spend all this $$ on opening new offices at the expense of paying a market bonus and a market maternity (GP pays 12 weeks which is not market, 18 weeks is standard now with all peer firms). Perception is everything - isn't it? We look pretty bad right now
GP posters--
Point me somewhere besides this comment thread which confirms that ropes is oversubscribed
Paul Hastings has free care, with discounted nursing services, for sick relatives. It is part of the back-up daycare policy.
GP to 200k! (and some work to keep bored PE attorneys busy)
GP is still figuring out how to deal with being way oversubscribed from last year (100 SA's in Boston alone). And with their stealth layoffs ("It's not you, it's not me, it's just us") I doubt they will be paying any real bonuses this year. But at least you get appropriate information for old people!
Yeah, no market bonuses (if any) even though the firm made $$ = pathetic. No market benefits like maternity, even though we claim to be a top firm.
The firm's strategy is clear, they don't care about associates but they care about the number of offices on the letterhead. Go ahead, keep burning that cash leasing more office space and ignore what actually matters.
This Ropes v. Goodwin thing is pathetic. Both are great firms, both pay the same, and both are growing steadily. If I wanted to work in Boston, I'd be happy to lateral to either firm.
Also, nobody besides first year law students cares about Vault rankings, so why bother mentioning them?
Actually, they don't pay the same.
Ropes pays market - GP doesn't but says they do.
GP Boston ripped off associates last year by not paying special bonus when Ropes did. Overall comp. was much higher at Ropes for mid and senior level associates at Ropes. Ropes is lockstep with no minimum - GP says that 100% of pro bono hours count towards your billables but bonus numbers and performance reviews tell a different story.
Ropes pays market parental leave of 18 weeks - GP only pays 12.
Not the same.
Anyone here actually work at Ropes or Goodwin? If so, you morons should probably realize that Ropes Boston did NOT pay out special bonuses last year.
Wrong, 75, we did, but the special component required eclipsing 2000 and 2100 (1/2 at each threshhold). And I do work here.
Bromberg & Sunstein is the biggest shit show