Thanks to Sara Schaefer Muñoz of the WSJ Juggle blog for another wonderful post entitled: “Re-designing the career ladder“.
There’s a new movement afoot that I for one am very excited about. Obviously, it’s a reaction to the track that the business world has taken, but one well worth watching.
A new base of organizations are fighting an uphill battle. They’re trying to get companies such as law firms to change the requirements for their associates and partners so that these employees can work and have time for their personal lives too (what a concept!).
Championed by organizations like the Opt-in Project, The Center for Work Life Policy and Law Students Building a Better Legal Profession; this movement seeks to help develop flexible options by changing things like the amount of billable hours required for attorneys in law firms. Some of these organizations focus on helping women who’ve had children re-enter the workforce.
Judging from the comments of attorneys on the WSJ’s Law Blog in response to a post about Law Students Building a Better Legal Profession, much of the legal profession doesn’t think it will fly, and many think that the whole idea is ridiculous, (why would you even want to?) which gives you an idea of the mentality that exists at many firms. (read the post and comments here)
But isn’t that the same thinking that has gotten them into so much trouble in the first place? Do we really want out legal system to be run by attorneys who never sleep? I must have come across 100’s of lawyers who no longer want to practice law because of the ridiculous demands that are placed upon them by their firms, so I know that the need is definitely there.
I guess I’m not surprised at their comments. It may be a movement that sees slow progress, but certainly one who’s time has come.
Lawyers and law spouses out there, what do you think?
Susan Martin, Law Firm Management
