The new program is on top of the firm’s 18-week parental leave program.
New parents at Proskauer Rose may be the new envy of other BigLaw lawyers.
The law firm has just instituted a program which allows lawyers who are primary child caregivers returning to the firm after taking a leave to work on a 75% schedule for six months while being paid the full pay they were receiving before they took the leave.
The new program is on top of Proskauer Rose’s 18-week parental leave. Known as "CaRe" (Caregiver Return), this program builds on the firm’s existing resources and programs for new parents, it said.
“CaRe responds directly to feedback from our lawyers that the first six months of transition presents unique challenges. We want their re-entry back into the workplace after an extended leave to be welcoming,” said the firm’s Joanne Ollman.
“Institutionalizing a reduced schedule at full-time pay for the first six months should ease the pressure on our primary caregivers,” added the firm’s Chief Professional Resources Officer.
Firm Chairman Joe Leccese said that CaRe and its other programs ultimately help the firm deliver for clients.
“Attracting and retaining the most talented lawyers is essential to our ability to deliver premier client service. Supporting our lawyers’ needs at key stages of their personal life is and will remain a critical component of our talent management strategy,” he said.
Other family-friendly resources offered by Proskauer includes New Parent Career Coaching, Emergency Backup Childcare and Eldercare Services, Employee Assistance Program and the Proskauer Caregiver Network.
The CaRe program has been well-received.
According to Am Law Daily, 30 minutes after sending out the announcement last week, Ollman received about a half dozen grateful emails from the firm’s lawyers.
“Some had already stopped by her office to offer their praise of the program in person,” the publication wrote.
