Action Step – Pushing Back on Schedule Creep

The Alliance’s Action Steps are designed to assist organizations with implementing practical strategies and policies related to diversity and flexibility.  Members can access full versions of all of the Alliance’s Action Steps in the Member Resource Center.

PUSHING BACK ON SCHEDULE CREEP

We all know what schedule creep is: the tendency of reduced hours to creep back up to full-time levels while pay remains decreased. It starts for several reasons: unavoidable client demands; court-ordered deadlines; accepting too much work; senior lawyers who are unaware of junior lawyers’ schedules; and possibly senior lawyers who are passive-aggressively expressing their distaste for reduced hours. When it happens over a sustained period of time, it undermines a lawyer’s reduced hours agreement and can damage the effectiveness of the flexible work program itself. Fortunately, there are solutions… Read more

Spotlight on Flex – Amy Ufberg

The Spotlight on Flex showcases professionals from member organizations who exemplify personal and professional success while working a flexible schedule. Their stories illustrate the long-term benefits that flexible schedules offer to both individuals and organizations.

This month, we are pleased to share insights from Amy Ufberg, Partner in the Philadelphia office of Dechert LLP.

Amy UfbergDiversity & Flexibility Alliance: How have you made work-life control a priority and a success with your schedule? How has a client contributed to this?

Amy Ufberg: My flexible work schedule has varied over the years between being at 60, 70 to 80 percent. I never focused on a set flex schedule or only working certain days. Instead, I alternated my time in the office as needed – if there was a family event, then I went and made up the time on another day. The firm let me grow professionally as my personal needs changed. I was promoted to partner and named practice group leader all while working flexibly. Earlier this year I returned to working 100 percent and also added another duty, that of Co-Hiring Partner for the Philadelphia office.

My practice group and my clients have all been extremely supportive as well. My practice focuses on estate planning, charitable planning, and estate and trust administration. Our group has “client teams” so if I’m unavailable, there’s always someone else that can answer any client needs. I develop very personal relationships with my clients so it’s easy to be honest with them about competitive demands. My clients know I’m available to get their work done.

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Self-Advocacy & Your Negotiation Plan: Praising Yourself to Inspire Others

September 2014

Featuring — Victoria Pynchon, Co-Founder, She Negotiates, LLC

It’s review time…are you ready?  Do you know how to be a self advocate or are you relying on someone else to advocate on your behalf?  Think again – be ready to learn, advance, and market yourself to supervisors, management, and partners by starting to think “it’s about me!” as you write your glory statement or negotiation plan.

Victoria will teach participants how to prepare for their career advancement through strategic self advocacy and negotiations.