ABA Journal and New York Times Highlight Steps Taken By Large Law Firms to Improve Attorney Retention

Today's New York Times had an article by Lisa Belkin documenting the steps being taken at many law firms to improve attorney retention. These include everything from the elimination of billable hour requirements at venerable firms such as Quarles & Brady to flex-time arrangements such as that instituted at Howrey under which associates can opt to work fewer hours for less pay. Associates have been asking for such arrangements for several years now, and firms are finally waking up.

The Times article follows a story in the ABA Journal concerning efforts by some of the nation's biggest and most tradition-bound law firms to help attorneys achieve work-life balance.

All good news for associates.