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Are there any specific actions/scenarios that cause stress? That might be a better way to think of an accommodation. For example: partner x always calls you unexpectedly with assignments, and being flustered on the phone while you’re in the middle of working causes you stress. Having partner x send an email would help reduce that stress.
I think looking at specific scenarios might help come up with concrete accommodations.
By no means do I mean this in a disrespectful manner, but I think it’s going to be very difficult to find a law firm that would (or could) actually provide any accommodation that would help reduce those triggers. Lack of sleep and stress come with the territory here. Maybe something in the government or public interest area would be more accommodating? I used to work in legal aid (as a legal assistant before law school), and while the work was stressful, nobody was pulling all nighters.
Yeah I don’t know how to reply to this. Sleep could be accommodated if you’re working unreasonably long hours, but stress is a subjective thing. You’re responsible for your own stress level I don’t see how they could help you with that.
To clarify, I mean biologically responsible. I’m so sorry you’re going through this- the last thing I meant to do was stress shame.
I do wish I had an answer for this. I’ve got 2 disabling chronic conditions that flare up when I don’t follow strict medical diet, sleeping and exercise routines in addition to prescription treatments. Stress and lack of sleep will throw me into a spiral and as embarrassing as it is I’ve considered disclosing/asking for accommodations , but I had to learn to manage this on my own. I subtly set expectations with supervisors by putting blocks on my calendar for these things and not volunteering to do projects on tight turnaround; in other words I don’t raise my hand for things that would be unrealistic for me to accomplish without over stressing my system. When I need to recover from a flare I take time away. If you find the right job and supervisors, and self manage so you produce good work, you can do this sustainably. But many jobs in our profession just won’t allow it. Keep searching until you have the right fit, with enough give to keep yourself functional. Formal accommodations are probably not the tool for issues this intangible.
Lack of sleep I think could be dealt with - perhaps your firm could let you transition to an of counsel role with a billable target of 30-35 hours a week. Stress I’m not sure how that could be handled - would depend on what specific aspects make you stressed.
Work from home has dramatically improved my life. I used to be worn out from a day in the office, even though I’m seemingly healthy and fit. Getting rid of driving, waking up early, wasting time on make up, thinking about food for the day, etc. has made me so much happier. And I can go sit on a couch with my feet up when I need to. In my mind this is the best accommodation that any law firm could offer easily.
Would your doctor have some ideas for that?
Chief
She said some people have an accommodation where they do not work past a certain time. Maybe also work from home a few times a week to allow for more sleep and flexibility in my days. Feeling like these boundaries are really situation specific, like everyone above said.
However, that requires my firm to be trusting of me to say when I need to WFH or when I need to leave or come in an hour late, etc. I work really really hard and I don’t see that changing because I’m extremely goal oriented and I’m a hard worker. I have a good thing going at the firm I’m at, but I don’t want them to think I’m “trying to take advantage of the system.” Because I genuinely am not.
Honestly, the partner I work for tends to be a procrastinator which often turns into really intense last minute projects that are thrusted at me to spearhead. I’d like to avoid disclosing the disability but I think it is crucial we get ahead of things and he maybe checks his calendar...and I also think about the rare trial prep where everyone else is working until 3 am and I have to leave to go home to sleep...