Spotlight on Flex – Megan Devaney

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 Megan Devaney, Partner in the Chicago office of Winston & Strawn LLP.

Megan DevaneyDiversity & Flexibility Alliance: How have you made flexibility a priority and a success with your career?

Megan Devaney: Before I went to law school, I was a consultant for Accenture. I loved it there, but I was traveling all the time. When I looked at my five and 10 year plan, I knew I didn’t want to be on a plane every Monday and come home on a Thursday. This was before I was married or had children, but even then, I knew having flexibility with my schedule was important to me. I switched paths and went to law school, summered at Winston & Strawn, and joined the firm as a first year associate.

In 2011, I was a fifth year associate on maternity leave when I started thinking about flex at the firm. I talked with other attorneys working reduced hours and approached the firm about flex for me. I made it clear I wanted to make partner and work on matters that would advance my career. The firm fully supported my choice to work a reduced annual hours schedule at 85 percent. I’ve been reduced hours ever since, and I made partner while on this schedule. Read more

Action Step – What’s In It For You? The Alliance’s Value Proposition

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.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
THE ALLIANCE’S VALUE PROPOSITION

It’s a new year, and with it comes new opportunities and challenges for your organization’s efforts to advance its diversity, inclusion, and flexibility agendas. As you map out a strategy to address what’s ahead, don’t go it alone – the Alliance is here to partner with you! Alliance member organizations have access to a trifecta of valuable resources: a community of peers, strategic advice from industry experts, and a wide variety of research tools. These resources can be summarized as the Alliance’s Value Proposition:

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