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New office in Hyderabad??
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Thanks for all of the comments! I should have added I confirmed after the offer that maternity leave is available starting day 1.
That's awesome
I’d disclose to HR as soon as possible and explain the circumstances on why you didn’t initial share or say you just found out. Depending on the state, many firms don’t cover maternity or FMLA until you’ve been there for a year so that’s also something to consider and ask for information on the firm’s policies so you can get information and be prepared. Good luck!!
Pro
I think it’s odd to disclose before you start, personally. They probably don’t want that information anyway—let’s say there was a borderline conflicts issue. If they have been informed you are pregnant since they gave the offer, they are now at risk of it seeming like the conflicts issue is pretextual.
Look: I get that you probably feel guilty, but you’re allowed to have a family life!
Talk to partners about it when it feels appropriate. Many women don’t give notice until it’s obvious or until they’re ready to ramp down in terms of work.
Pro
Also yes tell HR whenever and get information about leave. My comment above is about informing partners/colleagues.
I would have disclosed to negotiate for the leave as part of the final offer.
Disclose when you feel comfortable. You don't need to explain timing. It's not their business anyway. But you do want to start lining things up for leave and get protections.
Law firms are businesses, as are lawyers individually. You owe each other nothing beyond compensation (and their day-1 mat leave policy). Disclose when you’re ready, or when it’s obvious. Charge in and make the most of your 2nd trimester energy to do good work and build good relationships. Once you do disclose, reiterate your excitement to continue working with the firm upon your return. You don’t owe anyone an apology, and given their policy, they have considered and accepted this exact scenario.
Also, congrats to you mama, you got this!
We hired an attorney that was around this far along in her pregnancy, and she hit it from us by wearing baggy clothes during the interview. She told us about her pregnancy within a couple of weeks of starting, and nobody at my firm cared. We are a small firm now and had a generous leave policy soI’m not sure about the environment of where you work.
Actually, she was more like six or seven months pregnant. I think I’ve already forgotten. It’s been a few years.
You don’t say what level you are or what your practice area is, but I disagree with the mindset evident in many of the other responses, and think you should disclose sooner than later. The firm must be in need of an attorney at your level/skillset, so while you are still 2 “ish” trimesters from delivery, letting the firm know early will enable them to plan around your leave time in advance.
Disclosure after offer is normal. I wouldn't worry about it too much. If it's obvious, then go ahead and disclose. If not, disclose when you're comfortable and ready.
Tell them you found out during conflicts..
Why did you take 2 weeks off at this time?
Pro
It is standard and reasonable to take a break between firms, so you can start well rested.
I interviewed with big law when I was 9 months pregnant and got the offer. Be honest with HR and you should be fine. If not there are plenty of plaintiff employment attorneys on this chat room who would love to help you in that situation. Good luck and congratulations