Best Practice: Work-life balance challenges for female attorneys

Asked and Answered By John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC Q. I am a female non-equity partner in a 14-attorney firm in Central Kentucky. I have recently been considering approaching the partners in the firm about a reduced work schedule. The firm has no policy in place regarding “part-time partners”. Frankly, I am leery as I am afraid they will consider it a lack of commitment on my part and may have a negative impact upon my future with the firm. What are your thoughts? A. According to ABA studies, almost half of surveyed lawyers feel that they do not have enough time for themselves or their families. Almost three-quarters of lawyers with children report difficulty balancing professional and personal demands. The number of women who doubt the possibility of successfully combining work and family has almost tripled over the past two decades. Only a fifth of surveyed lawyers are very satisfied with the allocation of time between work and personal needs. A desire for more time to meet personal and family needs is one of the major reasons lawyers consider changing jobs, and it is a more important consideration for women than for men. Our law firm clients tell us that personal and professional life balance is their greatest challenge. Time is becoming more important to people than money. While it may be a battle for you in your particular firm – inroads are being made with regard to part-time partners in law firms – for both women and men. Here are a few ideas: No. 1: First and foremost - Develop the courage to ask and have the determination to say no. Create your life balance expectations for your clients and your superiors in the firm. When interviewing for a new job or position let your future employer know your expectations – upfront. No. 2: Create A Personal/Professional Life Plan. Establishing personal and professional priorities and making correct choices is crucial. You must begin by determining what’s important in life – make a list of what’s truly important in your life, establish boundaries and priorities, and formulate a plan. Typical elements that should be on your list include:

• Physical Health
• Spiritual
• Nutrition
• Stress Management
• Family
• Friends
• Financial
• Professional Relationships
• Efficiency at Work
• Professional Development
• Hobbies and Outside Interests
• Your Work Life

No. 3: Use and work your plan. No. 4: Resist the temptation to go to work for a culture that is not in support of work-life balance if that is important to you. Say No. No. 5: If work-life policies don’t exist in your firm – build a case for them. Don’t be afraid to ask. If they do exist – have the courage to use them. No. 6: Work smarter – not harder. Improve your time management skills. No. 7: Tend to your physical health. Insure that you address prevention and treatment of diseases, weight control, physical fitness and stress management. Schedule and keep annual physicals. Exercise daily. No. 8: Take time for yourself and family. Take vacations. No. 9: Define what is important to you and define your personal-professional life balance boundaries. No. 10: Enjoy life and get involved in activities other than the practice of law. Pursue hobbies and other interests. Remember, the most important thing you can do is to have the courage to ask and the determination to say no. Good luck on your journey. John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC, is a past chair and member of the ISBA Standing Committee on Law Office Management and Economics. For more information on law office management please direct questions to the ISBA listserver, which John and other committee members review, or view archived copies of The Bottom Line Newsletters. Contact John at jolmstead@olmsteadassoc.com.