Dickstein Shapiro has formally adopted a part-time policy, which the firm understands to be among the most progressive in Washington, DC, if not the country. Every reasonable effort is made to accommodate requests for alternative work schedules while working to assure opportunities for professional growth, experience, and career advancement. For attorneys, this policy includes the appointment of an advisor (currently a partner who is working a part-time schedule) to confidentially counsel attorneys contemplating part-time arrangements. In addition to providing alternative schedules for attorneys, the firm provides flexible work schedules for staff. Staff can choose one of three work schedules to allow for flexibility. If these schedules do not work for the employee, the firm often is able to further adjust schedules depending on the needs of the department in which the employee works.

Billable Hours

Attorneys who work a 50 percent or greater schedule may remain candidates for partner. In the event that an attorney is required to work hours in excess of his or her agreed upon arrangement in a year, he or she is paid a salary adjustment for those excess hours. Thus, an attorney committed to a 50 percent schedule who works at a 60 percent schedule will receive a salary adjustment at the end of the year so as to receive 60 percent of a full-time salary. Attorneys are permitted to work less than 50 percent for a definite or indefinite period of time, during which the attorney is not eligible for partner consideration.