More Law Firms Boost Maternity Leave to 18 Weeks
About a dozen large law firms have boosted maternity leave from 12 to 18 weeks in one of the first significant changes to parental policies in several years.
One of the first to change its policy was Sullivan & Cromwell, which made the decision in July, the National Law Journal reports. Others that jumped on board with 18-week maternity leaves include Arnold & Porter; Covington & Burling; Debevoise & Plimpton; Hogan & Hartson; Latham & Watkins; Mayer Brown; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; and Weil, Gotshal & Manges.
Several firms also increased paid leave for fathers who are primary caregivers from four to 10 weeks. Adoptive parents who are primary caregivers are also getting more paid leave, with some firms giving 10 weeks and others 18 weeks.
