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Reducing Hours, Increasing Value






By Camilla Williams of Kilpatrick Stockton LLP

My story.

I became a “reduced hours lawyer” years ago when my first daughter was born.  I loved my job as a patent associate in a large law firm, but wanted to find a balance that worked for my family.  Same story, different lawyer.  What I did not realize at the time is that due in part to the individuals with whom I worked and in part to long term institutional values at my firm, the rest of my story is unusual. 

For example, contrary to reports from women at other law firms, I could not wait to tell the partner with whom I worked that I was expecting.  It never occurred to me that having a pregnant third year associate with maternity leave in her future would be met with anything other than complete elation.  Then, in order to discuss part time options (and by discuss the options I really mean tell them what I was planning) I went to see several partners who, at the time, were heading up my practice group.  The first partner suggested I wait to make the decision so that I did not over commit myself (“you don’t know how you will feel when the baby arrives”) and the second approved my request without concern (“sounds fine to me”).  I assumed everyone in the industry was treated this way. 

My tenure as a reduced hours attorney has not been without its challenges, but overall it has been a s...

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