The American Bar Association conducted a Survey of Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Law Practice, and here is the report: https://www.
We are not surprised that 81% of the respondents are white, nor that women are more likely than men to have personal responsibility for child care, and significantly more likely to have taken on *more* child care responsibility during the pandemic.
The effects of the pandemic on women and lawyers of color are very similar when it comes to work disruptions on account of family and household obligations, or having trouble taking time off from work. A not-so-impressive 42% of women respondents think it would be better to work part-time and not full-time – especially those responsible for children aged 5 or younger. The perception around DEI initiatives, gender strategies, and stress at work traced directly to race, ethnicity, and/or gender are also well covered – leaving several clues for you, as a law firm partner or department manager, to learn how to deal with diversity and inclusion in your firm.
The report, then, addresses lawyers’ concerns and home office needs. Yup, virtual or hybrid work will be a post-pandemic reality. From technical resources to employee engagement and reduced workload, ABA’s report is pretty good at suggesting what you, as a law firm partner, employer, or department manager, can do to keep your legal team running – and motivated.
Even though ABA is the American Bar Association, as far as we are concerned, the insights you’ll find on the report are useful to pretty much everywhere. Are we betting too high? Let’s say Latin America then.
Click here to read the full report.
Firm Forward offers advice to law firms interested in implementing or strengthening their diversity and inclusion programs and policies. Get started today: firmforward.com/diversity-equity-inclusion.