Action Step – Recruit Men With Flexible Work

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.

RECRUIT MEN WITH FLEXIBLE WORK

Law students talk to each other about their law firm interview experiences: what they were asked; what insights they gained into the firm; and what the firm seems to be looking for. As they compare notes, a pattern might emerge; some employers tell female recruits – but not male recruits – about the firm’s flexible work programs. Female recruits often express disbelief, and some take offense at the assumptions the firm is making about them. However, they aren’t the only ones. Male recruits have also been put off by the assumptions firm’s make about them and their interests… Read more

Spotlight on Flex – Eve Howard

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.

Eve HowardThis month, we are pleased to share insights from Eve Howard, Partner in the Washington, DC office of Hogan Lovells US LLP. Ms. Howard is a 2013 Flex Success™ Award Honoree and a member of the Alliance’s Advisory Council.

Diversity & Flexibility Alliance: How have you made work-life control a priority and a success with your schedule?

Eve Howard: With a flexible schedule I’m able to devote more time to non-work-related things that are important to me, including my family and outside interests. However, my goal is that my schedule never interferes with the service I provide to my clients, my relationship with colleagues at the firm, or with the firm as a whole. If a client calls with an emergency on a day I’m not in the office, it doesn’t mean that it’s not my problem to deal with. Part of the success of my schedule is learning to recognize what’s a true crisis and what’s not – this comes with experience.

I’ve been at a 75% schedule for most of the past 14 years; I’m generally in the office four days and off on Wednesdays. However, months can go by where I don’t take a Wednesday off, but I’ll use another day that works better for current client or firm demands to stick to my arrangement. Having Wednesdays off creates a nice break in the middle of the week, and if I’m unavailable for a part of that day, it’s usually not too difficult to deal with things a day later (as opposed to three days later if my day out of the office were a Friday). Hogan Lovells has been fully supportive of my schedule, and I’ve been duly compensated for times I’ve worked more than my agreed upon hours. In other words, I never felt penalized by my schedule in terms of compensation or opportunities. Flexibility is the key component of a successful arrangement, both on my part and the part of the firm.

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Onwards & Upwards: Building a Successful On-Ramping Program

February 2015

Featuring — Laura Acosta, firm-wide Manager of Diversity and Professional Development, Goodwin Procter LLP and Kristen Page, Partner and Flex Policy Advisor, Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP

On-ramping is one of the best ways to retain talented lawyers. It’s also inexpensive, measurably effective, and helps attorneys transition smoothly back from leave with the option of working reduced hours for a limited period of time without having to apply or request permission. More importantly, returning attorneys are given the support they need to successfully ramp back up to their full practice levels. Laura and Kristen will share how their firms have successfully implemented on-ramping policies and how to start them in your organizations.