Under the firm’s new rules, associates and senior attorneys will be offered an impressive 20 weeks of paid parental leave when they have a child. Those claiming the leave will have their billable hour targets adjusted accordingly, ramping down towards the leave period and then ramping up again after they return. They will also be appointed a Parental Leave Liason to assist in preparing for and returning from the leave period, as well as confidential career coaching for those attorneys concerned that taking time off might affect their career advancement.

‘Gender-neutral’ leave

Most excitingly, the firm’s leave offer is available equally to both ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ caregivers, a move which many believe will make it easier and more attractive for male parents to take time off. According to research conducted by Above the Law last year, women lawyers take an average of 14.33 weeks of paid parental leave while their male counterparts, often as ‘secondary caregivers’, take an average of just 6.3 weeks. Winston & Strawn’s former parental leave policy offered 18 weeks to primary caregivers, but just 10 weeks to secondary caregivers.

Retaining talent

‘These changes are ultimately about human capital,’ commented Winston & Strawn chief human resources officer Julie Goodman. ‘We want to attract and retain the most talented people and promote their success for the long term, regardless of gender.’

Sources: Above the Law; ABA Journal; Winston & Strawn