Consistent with Barclay Damon’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements of the firm’s culture and business initiatives, the Women’s Forum helped develop our innovative HATCH program. HATCH, an acronym for “Helping Attorneys and Their Children,” provides enhanced support to new parents regarding their parental leave.
HATCH increases the amount of paid time off for eligible attorneys, allowing more time to bond with an adopted, fostered, or newly born child. HATCH also reduces an attorney’s billable-hour requirement for designated time periods before or after parental leave (known as “ramp-up” and “ramp-down” periods).
Attorneys taking parental leave are provided with enhanced wellness support under HATCH. There are coordinated efforts between firm attorneys and clients to ensure work is transitioned seamlessly prior to an attorney’s leave. Barclay Damon has designated firm partners, including members of the Women’s Forum and the firm’s management, to oversee and assist in the transition. There are also coordinated efforts to support attorneys returning from parental leave as they adjust to the life changes associated with welcoming a new child. A HATCH affinity group has been formed within the firm as well.
We’re hopeful the resources available under HATCH help attorneys achieve good health, wellness, resilience, productivity, and work-life balance. The Women’s Forum is committed to this important initiative and continues to offer support and mentoring for all of our women attorneys, including those who take parental leave.