Reply to How does maternity leave work for a law firm partner? No FMLA?

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[quote=Anonymous]I did not read the crap.  Law firm partner here.  First child born 16 months after I made draw partner at my prior firm.  There was a formal policy for all lawyers that I fell under.  3 months paid/option for 3 months unpaid.  That firm's policy has since been reducted to 12wks/12wks.

Now a contract partner at my new firm.  Baby #2 born 11 months after I joined new firm. (can you say "surprise"?)  The firm owed me nothing because I had not been here for a year.   They graciously gave me 12wks paid.  If they had not gone first to offer that, I would have tried to negotiate something.  I was prepared to take time off without pay, but they weren't even obligated to allow me to do that.

If the firm has no policy in place, then ask if you all under the firm's short term disability insurance.  My old firm self insured for short term disability, so any short term disability was discretionary.  I.e., you can negotiate.   Of course, if you don't fall under short term disability, you can still negotiate.  I'd start with a friendly person in management or HR.

As for what if you have clients asked by the associate several pages back, I worked while on maternity leave. Be sure to check your firm's policy if you can bill while on maternity leave.  Some have their insurance set up such that you cannot work while on leave (go figure).   I brought clients with me from my old firm.  I did not hide the fact I was expecting and I assured them that they would not experience any reduced service.  I set up a home office and rocked the baby in the bouncer under the desk if I had to work.   My mistake was not having help in place during my maternity leave.  I ended up having a client sign the week before the baby came and I billed instead of slept for a few weeks.   If you firm has back up daycare like bright horizons, sign up for it as soon as the baby comes.  I used it twice while on maternity leave - once to come in for a client meeting and once to head for the library to get some quiet to write a brief.  Bright Horizons will take let you bring someone into your home even for a newborn (as long as you are comfortable with that).

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