NSW: Society recommends changes to lawyers work practices

AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-1998
NSW: Society recommends changes to lawyers work practices

SYDNEY, Dec 4 AAP - Solicitors and their employers will be encouraged to implement flexible
work and leave arrangements under reforms recommended by the Law Society of New South Wales.

A recent study commissioned by the society found 80 per cent of respondents said work
impacted on their personal relationships some or all of the time.

President Ron Heinrich said the study showed greater flexibility in the workplace was
needed to help people manage and enjoy work and family responsibilities.

"The findings confirm that well over half of the solicitor population has family
responsibilities that must be balanced against work commitments," he said in a statement.

"How this can be achieved in a profession characterised by an organisational culture which
demands solicitors work excessively long hours is thoroughly explored in the study."

Nearly 50 per cent of respondents had difficulty changing from full-time work and about 20
per cent had to change their employer to obtain part-time work.

Most respondents preferred flexible work and leave arrangements to balance work and family
life, the study found.

Working from home, time in lieu and additional unpaid leave were some of the law societys
recommendations.

Mr Heinrich said he was concerned arrangements such as these had not been undertaken by
solicitors because they believed employers could misinterpret their commitment.

The study found lawyers were characterised by their commitment and focus to work, which
possibly explained why 32 per cent of female respondents took no leave or less than six months
after the birth of a child.

He said the growing number of women in the workplace meant the profession must change to
address employees needs.

"Over the past 10 years, womens participation has soared 125 per cent to a point where
female practising solicitors now make up nearly 32 per cent of the profession," he said.

"As many are aged in their 20s and 30s the full impact of this feminisation is still to
come."

The study also found the needs of men as parents and carers had been overlooked.

Mr Heinrich said of the 78 organisations surveyed, many rated themselves highly on the
family friendly index, reflecting their strong belief they are addressing employees needs.

AAP mw/jd/cfm/cjh/de

KEYWORD: FAMILIES

1998 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.