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Can I work flexibly?

Flexible working Yes it is possible. I work part-time in the corporate department of a Magic Circle firm (A&O). Flexibility is the key - both by the firm, your colleagues and you. Equally important are support from junior lawyers and staff (who you will probably still need to supervise to keep things moving even when you are out of the office) and good technology to allow access to current matters if urgent items arise. Yes I do spend time on my days off on Blackberry and occasionally also logging in or attending conference calls, but this flexibility allows me to spend more time on other interests whilst also meeting client and firm needs. I am working on "proper" corporate deals, which means I also do not always take my fixed days off, especially if a transaction is at a critical stage. On the other hand as we assess my working time over an annual period, I also take extra days of annual leave to make up for days lost. I do not feel I am losing out and am happy with how it works. Lawyers working fixed hours (e.g. 9 to 5) tend to have a pay cut beyond the pro-rata, however those working flexibly like this tend to get straight pro rata (if you work 80% you get 80% of the full-time salary). P.S. I also know a Senior Associate in a top US law firm in London who worked 50% over the year (in blocks or transactions) and both parties were happy.

3-Dec-2007

5:01 pm