Men and women both agree that large time commitments are necessary when becoming a lawyer. This causes many issues when it comes to a work and life balance, but even more so when children are involved. When individuals get into law, they know that it is going to be long hard hours, and not a lot of time for extended periods off and short hours. In my opinion it is something that lawyers take pride in. They know they aren’t going to receive a bunch of recognition for their accomplishments. They are in it for the pride and money. They put energy and long hours into passing the bar and representing clients. It gives them a sense of status as a hard worker and being committed. For any type of lawyer, family or not, it is difficult to have a work life balance.
There are several “solutions” that have been suggested, but many of them have their pros and cons. The mainstream suggestions include flexible scheduling, reduced hours or working part-time, telecommuting, and job sharing. Many of these seem more practical with the amount of technology our society still has, but they really aren’t considered to be practical at all in the field of law. Due to that strong culture of commitment and long hours, many lawyers aren’t very accepting of their peers and colleagues who opt to use these alternatives. Lawyers that do go this route, often women, are not considered to be “real lawyers.” Some peers become resentful because they don’t reap the same benefits, and it is considered to have a lack of commitment. A quote from one lawyer, who was female, said that you “can’t dabble in law.” They will also later feel guilt. They are aware of the same values and culture of commitment and know that they are going outside the box of the traditional law structure and it bothers them. This work life balance is why there is such a high turnover with lawyers. The ones that are “committed” and work the hard hours get burnt out. The lawyers that go with alternative work schedules don’t feel welcome or capable and leave. This system will be a really hard field to break into based on the tradition of law.
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A recommendation that Holly English makes about the work/life balance, is that firms need to take into account that people have lives and to lighten up the workload so their employees can have time for their families. I think that this will never happened because firms are used to making a nice large sum of money and arguing for more family rights is not a top priority from them. How do you suggest firms become more sympathetic of the family or do you think this even is possible?
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