Parental Leave Policy - Here's Why We Did It

Effective Jan. 1, 2019, Barnes & Thornburg shifted to an enhanced parental leave policy that provides all firm talent with 16 weeks of parental leave at 100 percent pay, inclusive of adoption. We’ve told you all about this - our decision to lead from the front. Now, take a look at what it means to a few of our teammates who are experiencing this new benefit first-hand:

CAITLIN BYCZKO ASSOCIATE, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INDIANAPOLIS

There is no amount of advance planning that can prepare you for the birth of a child. In my opinion, the first six weeks of an infant’s life is basically an endurance test for the parent(s). An endurance test that is performed while one or both parents are very, very tired. The firm’s enhanced parental leave policy relieves much of the stress of new parenthood, because I feel as if I have sufficient time to heal myself, get into a groove with my child, and gain enough mental clarity to return to work. One of the first things that most people ask me is “How long do you get off for leave?” When I respond with 16 weeks, people are almost always shocked — in a positive way. When they learn that we offer this benefit equally to all members of the Barnes & Thornburg family, they begin to understand that we are seeking to change the narrative that big law firms are not family-friendly.

MATTHEW WELLS MARKETING MANAGER, SOUTH BEND/GRAND RAPIDS

The firm’s expanded parental leave policy is beneficial to me as a father because it allowed me to support my wife during postpartum recovery efforts. Further, it has left me with flexibility during the first year [of my son’s life] in case some kind of emergency were to arise. My wife’s job comes with a pretty demanding schedule - and the policy allows me to support her and Hudson because I know I can always take a day or two when needed!

LEAH SEIGEL ASSOCIATE, LITIGATION, INDIANAPOLIS

Having additional leave time allowed me to have a more flexible return [to the firm] and allowed me to spend more time at home onboarding our nanny. This not only helped me transition back to work, but also helped my son transition to a new daytime caregiver.

DAVID WONG PARTNER, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INDIANAPOLIS

The firm’s enhanced parental leave policy has been a real blessing for our family. Also, many clients, both locally and nationally, have been truly impressed by our firm’s investment in our people and have applauded the longer parental leave.

CARI SHEEHAN OF COUNSEL, LITIGATION, INDIANAPOLIS

The extended weeks and the flexibility of the firm’s parental leave policy has been a huge benefit for me and my family. Being able to take the first 12 weeks off and then return to work with a modified schedule for the remaining four weeks has allowed me to adjust to my new family life, while maintaining my professional contributions to the firm. I love staying home with my daughter, and the extra time allows me to be there for more of her growth and development - time that I find really special. That said, I also love my job, and this policy has allowed me to have and keep both.