Mike Gotham Quoted in The American Lawyer—'The Wave of the Future': Part-Time Work Is Gaining Traction, and Partnership Is on the Table

Mike Gotham was quoted in "'The Wave of the Future': Part-Time Work Is Gaining Traction, and Partnership Is on the Table," an article in The American Lawyer*, regarding the options for reduced-hours schedules for Perkins Coie attorneys.

At Perkins Coie, there's been an uptick in requests from parents with older children and those with elder care responsibilities, said Michael Gotham, senior director of legal talent at the firm.

In the past five years, about 20% of counsel and senior associates at the firm have been promoted to partner on a reduced-hours schedule, which can mean working reduced hours each week or ratcheting back hours when workload permits, he said.

Furthermore, the firm recently nixed its justification requirement to opt into a reduced schedule, paving the way for more lawyers to take advantage of the offering.

"We decided we're not going to inquire as to the merits for needing a reduced schedule," Gotham said. "We felt we could leave it to the individual attorneys to make their own decision."

*Subscription-based publication