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  1. Home
  2. For members
  3. Lawscot Wellbeing
  4. Member resources
  5. Parents in the profession

Parents in the profession

As part of our equality and diversity work, we have produced 12 guides for solicitors and others working in legal services.

The guides are aimed at those about to embark on or return from a period of maternity, shared parental or adoption leave and their line managers.  They feature real-life case studies from men and women working across the profession – thank you to those who contributed to the guides. We hope you find them useful.

The guides were produced in conjunction with The Talent Keepers.

How to ensure a smooth handover to and from your cover

In a nutshell? "See your departure as a project you need to dedicate time to"

  • Before you leave
  • During leave
  • Returning to work
Read more about How to ensure a smooth handover to and from your cover

How to ask for and make the most of Keep in Touch (KIT) days

"KIT days allowed me to settle back in more quickly - a benefit for both me and my line manager." 

  • Before you leave
  • During leave
Read more about How to ask for and make the most of Keep in Touch (KIT) days

How to pitch for flexible working (and make it work for you and your team)

"Preparation is everything when it comes to pitching for flexible working." 

  • Before you leave
  • During leave
  • When you're back
Read more about How to pitch for flexible working (and make it work for you and your team)

How to renegotiate your role

"Start the process early, be realistic about what you want and be inventive with solutions"

  • Before you leave
  • During leave
  • When you're back
Read more about How to renegotiate your role

How to set yourself up for a great return

“Set a date and stick to it. Prepare for what’s ahead, gradually reconnect with work and go easy on yourself.”

  • During leave
  • When you're back
Read more about How to set yourself up for a great return

How to reignite your confidence

Remember what you bring to your team and bring your knowledge up to date!

  • During leave
  • When you're back
Read more about How to reignite your confidence

How to ensure a strong first 90 days back in the saddle

In a nutshell?  “Agree a transition phase with your line manager, prioritise re-connecting with key people and focus on quick wins to build confidence."

  • During leave
  • When you're back
Read more about How to ensure a strong first 90 days back in the saddle

How to draw boundaries between work and home

Make choices with confidence, focus on quality not quantity and respect the boundaries you agree so others respect them too.

  • Before you return to work
  • Returning to work
Read more about How to draw boundaries between work and home

How to get on the right people's radar and get ahead when you're back

Get yourself out there. Think 'little and often' when it comes to connecting with people and new ideas. Remember, helping others can help you.

  • Get involved
  • Commit
  • Collaborate
Read more about How to get on the right people's radar and get ahead when you're back

How to signal the desire for, and get on, the partner track

Work out whether it's really what you want, be honest about your aspirations and focus on demonstrating commitment.

  • Assess
  • Commit
  • Home Life
Read more about How to signal the desire for, and get on, the partner track

How to make a positive start to combining fatherhood and career

Be involved from the beginning, identify your ideal work/family time split and be present when you're present.

  • Before you become a father
  • Your onward journey as a working farther
Read more about How to make a positive start to combining fatherhood and career

Best practice for managing maternity leave for line managers

Ask don't assume, encourage Keep In Touch days and demonstrate your commitment to helping your colleague have a smooth return.

  • Before your colleague goes on maternity/adoption leave
  • When your colleague is on leave
  • When your colleague has returned
Read more about Best practice for managing maternity leave for line managers
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Additional

  • Member resources

In this section

  • Parents in the profession
  • How to ensure a smooth handover to and from your cover
  • How to ask for and make the most of Keep in Touch (KIT) days
  • How to pitch for flexible working (and make it work for you and your team)
  • How to renegotiate your role
  • How to set yourself up for a great return
  • How to reignite your confidence
  • How to ensure a strong first 90 days back in the saddle
  • How to draw boundaries between work and home
  • How to get on the right people's radar and get ahead when you're back
  • How to signal the desire for, and get on, the partner track
  • How to make a positive start to combining fatherhood and career
  • Best practice for managing maternity leave for line managers
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