By Camilla Williams of Kilpatrick Stockton LLPMy 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...
