CBA Record March-April 2025

Career Breaks: How to Cut Yourself Some Slack When Life Happens By J. Kopczyk

K athy Morris of Under Advisement Ltd., led a moderated discussion at a recent seminar, “Taking a Career Break: Considerations and Ramifications.” The panel included alumni of large law firms, current law firm partners returning from in-house roles, and individuals who forged their own path. Parental leave was a key area of focus; in fact, panelists con firmed that it is the most common reason behind career breaks, and they acknowledged the anxiety it can cause. Panelists shared the importance of seeking advice from in-firm mentors when looking at how to manage parental leave or any other type of transition, especially if mentors are willing to be advocates for leave within the firm. Panelists also shared solutions to transition challenges, including “ramp-up” periods and different ways to structure them. For example, panelists stressed that billable work did not come back immediately when they returned from leave, which, although typical, was a source of anxiety. Ultimately, the panelists stressed that attorneys taking leave should be cognizant that they are providers in a service profession. Unplanned breaks resulting from unexpected medical issues were another area of concern. One panelist shared her experi ences navigating FMLA leave and reduced time at a large law firm after she experienced a car accident. A conversation with a mentor about her medical issues led to a graceful exit to work with a solo practitioner. Eventually, the panelist’s mentor reached out with a position at the large law firm again. Another panelist discussed how her second child’s unexpected medical issues led to her stepping away from her career while she advocated for their health. That experience led the panelist to seek a position within another firm after her transition out. Another panelist also stepped away from practice temporarily after giving birth to her second child. Yet another type of transition involved moving from firm partner to in-house practice and then back again. The panelist stressed that maintaining relationships with key people within

the firm helped her transition back into firm practice and to avoid the stigma of being a “u-turn” employee. Voluntary leaves were discussed as well. One panelist took a year off to walk from New Jersey to California when he discov ered that the legal profession was just not for him after several years of practice at a prestigious law firm during the Great Reces sion. Overall, panelists did not believe that résumé gaps hurt their chances in pursuing their future career paths. They affirmed that a linear, lockstep approach expected by some members of the legal community has shifted among firms looking to recruit and retain talent. Panelists included Ellen Chapelle, a partner with Gould & Ratner LLP; Rebecca Finkel, with Manatt, Phelps, & Phillips LLP; Siddesh Bale, a global practice group head with Reed Smith LLP; and Tyler Coulson, with Law School Toolbox. The seminar is available on demand in the seminar archive at Learn.ChicagoBar.org (1 IL MCLE Credit).

J. Kopczyk is an attorney with experience in commercial and con struction litigation and is a CBA Editorial Board Member.

Ethics and Risk in Your Practice March 20, 2025 | 3:00- 5:00 PM (also available on demand) 2 IL PR-MCLE Credit | Register at Learn.ChicagoBar.org

Understand the ethical rules and standards governing lawyer conduct, including a discussion of recent trends and important updates in ethics, professional responsibility, and risk management.

14 March/April 2025