Incoming ATLA-NJ President Understands Balance

I came across an enlightening article that describes the top two goals of incoming ATLA-New Jersey president Tommie Ann Gibney, one of which is to recognize the importance of balance and flexibility in the legal profession.

The article is misleadingly titled Woman targets victims' rights, so I nearly passed it over.  I'm glad I didn't, though, since Ms. Gibney offers great perspectives on an issue that is increasingly affecting the legal profession.

From the article:

Gibney is in favor of flexible work schedules for men and women to give them time to care for children.

"The business of law has to change to reflect the reality of the American family. It's inappropriate that women have to choose between a career and a family.

"Success has to be measured by more than the amount of your take-home pay," Gibney said. "Women attorneys should be hitting their stride after 10 or 15 years of practice.

"Instead, firms are seeing an exodus of women attorneys and it's extremely expensive for law firms to replace them," she said. "They've spent that time in training, developing relationships with adversaries. Because firms can't accommodate their needs because of family responsibility, they have to bring in someone else."

Her message is not new.  It's been said before many times on this blog and elsewhere, but bears repeating.  Perhaps one day, people will actually begin to listen. 

If not now, that day will come when legal employers lose money hand over foot as they attempt to replace the Gen Y underlings that have flown the coop in search of greener pastures.

We can talk until we're blue in the face.  I've already accepted that our warnings are falling on deaf ears.  But, money talks--quite loudly.  Eventually, the head honchos will hear the music.  Of that I am sure. 

Comments

[Daille Nation]

Sadly some people think women ought to have known what they were getting into and do not merit consideration for measures/policies to make their lives easier. As you say it is when the bottom line is affected that things will start to change.