The Delicate Matter of Reducing Your Hours

A. You are not alone in your desire to achieve more balance in your life. The need for more part-time options in law firms has been addressed several times in recent years in studies done by the Boston Bar Association and in articles in the national legal press.

In general, it is widely recognized that there are many more attorneys looking for part-time options than there are jobs available. Coming to a firm as a lateral in a part-time capacity is particularly difficult.


You are correct in your perception that in most cases, part-time work situations in the law have been seen as an accommodation for working mothers.

In addition, law firms have typically been more receptive to granting part-time status to an individual with a proven track record at the firm. In other words, part-time work options have been principally treated as an "earned privilege" for working parents.

Other professions, including the accounting profession, have been quicker to respond to the need for alternative work situations. Deloitte & Touche, for example, has put in place a model program to promote the retention of star women in the organization. The cornerstone of their initiative has been granting flexible work options to valued members of the organization (male or female).

I mention trends in other professions because the legal profession does tend to follow the pack on management issues. In coming years, firms will increasingly adopt flexible staffing solutions to mimic what is happening in the labor force at-large (i.e. wait around long enough and part-time is likely to become a more viable option). This of course does nothing to address your current situation.

The good news is that you are in a hot practice area and being in a hot practice area gives you leverage. But having skills in a practice area that is in demand (i.e. real estate, corporate or IP) does not ensure that a firm will bring you in on a part-time schedule. Most firms believe that only certain types of work can be done on a less than full-time basis.

Some examples may include real-estate leasing, commercial lending, securities compliance, patent prosecution, licensing or tax advisory work. These are areas of practice that involve few last minute deadlines and more limited and predictable client contact.

In your case, corporate is a hot practice area. But only certain aspects of corporate practice have predictable deadlines and clients that are not so demanding. These include commercial lending, corporate compliance, general corporate advisory, and, to some extent, licensing.

In contrast, equity financings, IPOs and mergers and acquisitions are less amenable to part-time scheduling because of the closing deadlines and the likelihood that clients will want the work done right away.

If you are willing and able to do the "right" kind of corporate work, I believe that with your credentials you stand a good chance of finding a firm that is willing to hire you on your own terms. In practice areas where there has been a shortage of stellar talent, firms have been willing to cut deals with lateral hires.

For example, I know of several firms that have brought in real-estate laterals to fill "staff attorney" positions. These positions are considered off-track and have reduced hourly requirements. This may mean working 9 to 5 from Monday through Friday (a full-time position in the minds of the majority of the work force but an improvement for many lawyers). Some of these individuals are working even fewer hours.

Before you begin to look outside your firm, I think that you owe it to yourself to further explore options inside your firm. It sounds like there is some precedent for part-time work arrangements at your firm. Even if these arrangements have only been granted to working mothers, at least the firm is used to dealing with part-time professionals.

The advantage of starting at your own firm is that you are already a known commodity. You do not have to prove yourself again. Staying put also means it can take you less effort to get what you want (don't underestimate how time-consuming a job search can be). You probably have some leverage if the firm is already happy with your work.

You might also point out in a diplomatic way that it makes much more economic sense to work with you on this than it does to spend the time and money to replace you.

Before you approach your superiors, come up with a written plan. Indicate how many hours you plan to bill, what hours you plan to be in the office and how you can make yourself available when meetings or phone calls need to happen on your off hours.

A lot of research has been done by management consulting firms that points to the correlation between flexibility/part-time work options and retention of highly paid professionals. The recent study by the BBA entitled "Facing the Grail -- Confronting the Cost of Work-Family Imbalance" presents a strong argument that associate retention makes good business sense. Get copies of this report and of articles that cite research that has been done on flexible staffing. Look for strong anecdotal evidence. A good place to visit is the Web site of a human resources consulting firm in Boston called WFD (www.wfd.com).

Another resource that you may want to check in deciding how to pitch your part-time plan is "Breaking Traditions," a book published by the American Bar Association.

For anecdotal evidence, see page 36 of the January 2000 issue of Working Mother magazine for an article on how Terry Murray, CEO of Fleet Bank, came around on the issue of flexibility.

For more information about law firm diversity, see our Diversity Resources.

In closing, I think you should consider yourself fortunate and know that with some persistence, you will get what you want. While part-time is not an option that is available to everyone, attorneys who practice in a hot practice area and do work with predictable deadlines are most likely to find these situations.

For more information about diversity, see the following articles:
 

• Law Firm Diversity: They All Talk the Talk, But It’s Harder to Walk the Walk
• Why Upper and Lower Class Attorneys Rarely Succeed in Law Firms: How Race and Class Often Hinder Law Firm Success

Learn more about law firm diversity in this in-depth book:

Law Firm Diversity: How Race, Gender, Age, Social and Economic Divisions Impact the Hiring, Retention and Advancement of Law Firm Attorneys


About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

• Immigration Law
• Workers Compensation
• Insurance
• Family Law
• Trust and Estate
• Municipal law
• And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

• Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
• Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
• Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
• Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
• He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
• His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
• He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

• Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
• Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
• Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

• Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
• Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
• Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
• Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.