Spotlight on Flex

 

Spotlight on Flex – Victoria Lee

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 Victoria Lee, Partner in the Silicon Valley office of DLA Piper. Ms. Lee is a 2014 Flex Success™ Award Honoree.

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

Victoria Lee: I’ve been on a reduced schedule for the last eight years; after the birth of my son, I came back from maternity leave at an 80% schedule.  At the time, the firm was going through the three-way merger, and there was no formal alternative work schedule (AWS) policy in place.  In some ways I was lucky – I just talked with my practice group leader, said this was what I wanted to do, and it was done.  The firm was “flexible.”  Since then we’ve developed an infrastructure, with the support of partners and senior level management, to implement a formal AWS. The firm has been extremely supportive of flexibility.  Read more

Spotlight on Flex – Julia Markley

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 Julia Markley, Partner in the Portland office of Perkins Coie LLP. Ms. Markley is a 2014 Flex Success™ Award Honoree.

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

Julia Markley: I’ve adapted my schedule to fit the needs and responsibilities of the different stages of my career. I was a mid level/senior associate and had my first child when I started a reduced hours schedule with four days in the office and one day out. I was of counsel and a junior partner when I had my second child, and I recognized that this schedule was not working for me anymore. I switched back to five days in the office with a remote touch on emails and availability due to higher work demands.

My client, Laura Proctor, Associate General Counsel of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, has played a significant role in the success of my professional development and making my flexible schedule work.  She is always very respectful and supportive by scheduling meetings during regular business hours even though we are on different coasts, and she always makes it clear that unless it’s a true emergency her matters can be handled within a reasonable time frame.  I am very proud and grateful for my long-term relationship with Laura and the company.

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