MWL Life Balance Initiative
Recognizing that “life balance” is a diverse and multi-faceted issue for all women in the legal profession, MWL continues to address the issue through a variety of programs and
projects.
MWL Professional Parents Committee Explores Parental Leave Issues
The MWL Professional Parents Committee is currently exploring the issue of
paid parental leave, and would welcome your thoughts and ideas. The Committee
recently met with Minnesota Senator Ellen Anderson, who has worked extensively
on this issue over the past several years. You can read the article
entitled "Parental Leave: Time to
Strengthen" by Senator Anderson, which was written for the January 2003
issue of With Equal Right.
The Professional Parents Committee seeks your feedback on
this important issue: Is this an issue that is important to you? Do you
believe MWL should take a position on the issue? Why or why not? If yes,
should the organization actively work with other groups trying to get such
legislation passed? We welcome your feedback, via our website
feedback form. Or
feel free to contact the Professional Parents
Committee Co-Chairs or the MWL office.
MWL Life Balance Survey
Minnesota Women Lawyers recently conducted an
informal e-mail survey, asking our members to consider the following questions:
To include
your thoughts and ideas on life balance, e-mail your comments to
mwl@mwlawyers.org. We will post as many responses as possible.
View
Survey Responses
Life Balance Resource Guide
In the Fall of 2000, the MWL Life Balance Taskforce published the “Life Balance Resource Guide: Policies, Ideas and Strategies for Parental Leave and Alternative Work Arrangements.” Taskforce Members included Raquel Briskin, Beth Riesktyl, Sara Schwebs and Debra Pexa.
This extensive guide features policies from a variety of legal employers; key
considerations involved in negotiating parental leave and alternative work
arrangements; and summaries of the experience of attorneys who have utilized
such arrangements. View an excerpt from the
Life
Balance Resource Guide.
NOTE: The MWL Life Balance Resource Guide is
temporarily unavailable. If
you are interested in ordering a copy of the Guide when it is
again
available, please e-mail mwl at
mwl@mwlawyers.org. We apologize for
any inconvenience.
Professional Parents Committee Efforts
In continuing the work of the Life Balance Taskforce, the MWL Professional Parents Committee is exploring options for featuring “best practices” on parental leave and alternative work arrangements within the legal community. More information will be forthcoming as the committee continues its work.
Recent Articles of Interest in With Equal Right
Beyond the Daycare Years
by Lucinda Jesson, Attorney at Law
Additional Resources
For more information on the issue of life balance within the legal community, check out the
"Project for Attorney Retention" wesbite at www.pardc.org.
This is the most extensive resource we've found on the subject work-life balance
within the legal profession.
We need your help
Please feel free to send your comments on life balance, suggestions for MWL
seminars or projects, or favorite resources on the topic. Forward
information to mwl@mwlawyers.org.
