Shook's Flex-Time Policy Stands Out for Law360

Shook, Hardy & Bacon Senior Associate Ann Peper Havelka’s positive experience with the firm’s flex-time work policy is highlighted in an April 20, 2014, Law360 article titled “Stop Paying Lip Service to FlexTime, Female Attys Say.” With overwhelming support from the firm, Havelka works on a 75 percent schedule that allows her to leave for home at 4 p.m. to be with her young son. The schedule has pushed back her eligibility for partnership by just one year. Havelka said it was important to get the firm’s support, “because I didn’t want to be set aside. I wanted the policy to be not just in name—I wanted it to actually be how it was implemented.”

Shook Partner Bruce Tepikian explained how the policy evolved, noting that the firm’s goal was “to retain women who were leaving the firm.” Emphasizing that not all firms successfully implement flex-time policies, the article quotes Havelka, who said, “Partner buy-in is incredibly important. When you feel like the partners and the firm you’re working for want you to have a successful and full life outside the firm, that creates loyalty.” To read the article, please click here.