Why you need this policy:
Once upon a time, the belief was that an individual could be an attorney or a primary caregiving parent but not both. Attitudes—and laws—have changed this thinking and opened the door to all kinds of flexible work arrangements allowing attorneys to balance their professional and parental obligations.
How this policy helps you:
Every law office needs a written policy addressing where it stands on flexible work arrangements—even if it’s to state that such arrangements are not permitted. This policy does not address the related but separate issue of leave of employees to care for family members, which is subject to the Family Medical Leave Act and state laws.
How to use this policy:
Make sure you adapt this Model Policy so that it reflects your own policies with regard to flexible work arrangements, including whether they’re permitted, who can qualify for them, the procedure to request an arrangement, the particular arrangements available, the impact on pay, promotion, and benefits, etc.