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What’s common PTO wise in big law?
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Any opinions or insight on Butler Snow?
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It depends on your definition of “present parent”. And I say that in a completely non-judgmental way. For example, it’s definitely possible to home most nights for bedtime and even dinner, but then you’re not going to be present on the weekends often and you’ll have to be working long before they get up in the morning, too.
Exactly right. And expect to work every night after they go to bed.
In my experience (which includes 2 babies), yes you definitely can be present and bill +2000 hours per year. Outsource what you can and be efficient during the work day. Sometimes I work during the weekend and sometimes I work after the kids go to sleep. But I’m also able to dedicate dinner and bedtime to my babies and that barely ever gets interrupted.
This has been my experience too. I have 3 kids under 6 and generally have been able to bill 2000 per year and also be present for my kids. I am with them for about 2.5/3 hours in the morning and then again 2.5/3 hours in the evening and then log back on once they are sleeping. I generally only work evenings on weekends once my kids are sleeping. This all means zero time for myself and working very late usually but it’s all been working out okay. (ETA: Just read the prompt again - I am transactional fyi so may be different for litigators)
Not at 2,000+ hours
1,800 max but ymmv
If you can function on 4-5 hrs sleep most nights you can maybe do it. Also keep in mind that what counts as “present” for you may feel different for your kids. Example: pre COVID and when I was trying to become partner I would skip dinner at home two nights per week (Tue/Thu) and work really late at the office so I could bill a lot those days and be more fully present for the other evenings and weekends. My husband is a SAHD so my daughter was having a home cooked meal with a parent those nights and we would also do FaceTime. My daughter remembers that as “remember when I was little and you were never home for dinner?” That stings.
You’ll be as present as someone with this job can be (and even when you’re there you won’t be “present”). If you mean the definition of someone with a normal 9-5, then no, it’s not possible so don’t set that standard for yourself.
I will add that my real challenge has been being emotionally and psychologically present with my kids when I’m with them. Instead of always buzzing and stressing about work. I’m getting much better at it, but have been working at it for years. I think the quality of your presence is just as important, if not more important, than the number of minutes or hours.