(Written by Megan Needham, who works on the JRCLS Media Committee and is responsible for the Updates and
Inspiration e-mails.)
A
year and a half ago I wrote this post about figuring out how to
balance a legal career and a family. At the time I was an associate at Kirkland
& Ellis in New York City and a newlywed. Now I'm a new mom and
recently quit my full-time law job. I've been eagerly seeking ways to
stay involved in the legal world while maintaining the flexibility to put my
job as a mother first. In the process I've gathered some of my own
suggestions along with the suggestions of more seasoned mothers who have sought
the balance for them between work and family. Here's what we've come up
with: |
| Nancy Van Slooten |
- Keep
up with CLE credit. By keeping your attorney registration active you
will be ready for pro bono opportunities or part-time work whenever it arises.
JRCLS conferences and events and BYU Education Week seminars are some
wonderful opportunities for CLE credit.
 |
| Elizabeth Smith |
- Show
up. Shortly after I quit my job Elder Oaks was receiving the
Canterbury Medal for religious freedom in New York City. I knew that many
JRCLS members would be at the dinner and it would be a great opportunity for me
to meet people and feel professional. Even though it meant leaving my son
with a friend right before bedtime and getting home late, I made the effort to
go. It was worth the sacrifice, and I was able to write about the
experience for the JRCLS Newsletter.
- Keep
writing. We get good at the things we do frequently. If we want
our legal skills to stay sharp, continuing to write is invaluable. One
way I do this is by writing a blog and sometimes covering legal topics.
It helps me to continue to think critically while juggling laundry,
dishes, and bath time.
- Volunteer.
Many legal organizations could use an extra hand. Around the time I quit
my job I contacted BYU's International Center for Law and Religious Studies to
see if there were any projects they could use help with. It has turned
into an opportunity to work on a treatise with one of the professors at BYU.
You never know what opportunities might arise unless you ask.
- Read
cases. It's pretty difficult to be an expert in an area of law even
if you are practicing full-time, but reading the news and some court decisions
here and there can be a good way to have meaningful legal conversations when
you are around other attorneys.
Please
comment! How have you stayed involved with the law while raising
children?
Great write-up, Megan. I'd add to the list adjunct teaching (though this fits nicely under the Looking for Challenges heading). I recently heard a woman speak here in NYC who touted her mid-day flexibility as one of her qualifications to an area law school, and they loved it, in time asking her to teach additional subjects beyond her immediate area of expertise. Her flexibility was key; so many adjuncts are available to teach primarily in the evening. She emphasized that teaching as an adjunct pays very little, but for her it was an opportunity to develop experience, to stay in the game, and to prove her commitment to education -- in time transitioning to a full-time leadership role in university administration as her kids grew. Quite an inspiring story.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post, was an interesting read. Curious as to how you came about that solution… Website
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