Changing the Legal Tradition
As frustration with the legal profession grows, many young associates are becoming increasingly worn out. In response, many firms have started to change the way their businesses operates. Moving away from the classic model of billable hours, firms have introduced reduced annual hour quotas, adjustable salary and benefits packages dependent on merit rather than seniority and other innovations. Industry watcher and consultant Deborah Epstein Henry – founder of Flex-Time Lawyers – calls this phenomenon a “movement,” even if firms themselves are reluctant to see it as such. New plans furthermore call for schedules which allow associates to seek partnership at varying rates in order to prioritize family or leisure time, as well as extended leave for both new fathers and mothers. You can find out more from this New York Times article.