Action Step – Seven Strategies for Flex Success™

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.

SEVEN STRATEGIES FOR FLEX SUCCESS™

Flexibility and success go hand in hand. Just as in nature, flexibility provides a unique advantage to thrive in a variety of conditions. The key is to leverage the benefits of flexible work for your career success by demonstrating its connection to motivation, innovative problem-solving, and productivity. Here are seven strategies to help you achieve Flex Success™:

1. Define your success and clearly map out your one, three, and five year vision.

2. Own your value and know your value-add…

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Spotlight on Flex – Marci Rose Levine

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 Marci Rose Levine, Partner in the Washington, DC office of Dentons. Ms. Levine is a 2013 Flex Success™ Award Honoree.

Marci Rose LevineDiversity & Flexibility Alliance: How have you made work-life control a priority and a success with your schedule? How have clients contributed to this?

Marci Rose Levine: As a parent of three small children, flexibility both in my professional and personal life is essential. I’ve been with Dentons for almost 17 years, and for the past 12 years, I’ve been on a flexible/reduced hours schedule. I’m currently at 80 percent, but over the years, I’ve alternated between 80-90 percent. I’ve spent a lot of time on my education and career development, so when I was pregnant with my first child, I chose to go on a reduced hours schedule because I knew the flexibility would allow me to be a better mother and better attorney.

Not all my clients know that I’m on a reduced hours schedule; however, I have several, such as Walmart, that do – Walmart has really put a spotlight on flexibility in the legal profession. I was upfront with them about my schedule, and in return, they have always made it a point to be realistic about which projects require immediate attention and which can wait. Being open about my schedule with clients like Walmart has been empowering – there’s a feeling of mutual respect around balancing my work with my other responsibilities.

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Covering Continued: Updates on Data from Within US Law Firms

April 2015

Featuring — Kenji Yoshino, Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law, NYU School of Law

Drawing on Professor Yoshino’s award-winning book, “Covering: The Hidden Assault on Our Civil Rights,” this seminar will address the phenomenon of covering — the strategy of downplaying outsider attributes to blend into the mainstream. While his previous presentation (at the Alliance’s 2014 Annual Conference) focused on covering in the Fortune 500, this update will examine data gathered specifically from law firms. Professor Yoshino will discuss the incidence and costs of covering for individuals and law firms and explore possible solutions.

Highlights from the Alliance’s 2015 Annual Conference

The Alliance’s 2015 Annual Conference, Diversity + Flexibility = Innovative Leadership, was held on March 19 at the Washington, DC office of Jones Day. Below are thoughts and advice from a few of the day’s speakers:

Josh Frank, General Counsel, DHL Americas & 2015 Flex Leader Honoree: Flexibility needs to be part of the culture and it makes business sense. It’s quality over quantity – would rather have someone work 1000 quality hours over someone toiling away with 2000 sub-par hours.

Deborah Kelly, Partner and Deputy General Counsel, Dickstein Shapiro LLP: Flexibility shouldn’t be an issue anymore – where are all the men? Recognize that hours worked doesn’t equal an attorney’s commitment to the firm. Read more