Consistent with Barclay Damon’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements of the firm’s culture and business initiatives, the firm’s Women’s Forum helped develop our innovative HATCH program for attorneys. An acronym for Helping Attorneys and Their Children, HATCH provides enhanced support for attorneys who are 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, and a HATCH affinity group has been formed for attorneys who take part in the program.
Resources available under HATCH are designed to help attorneys achieve and maintain good health, wellness, resilience, productivity, and work-life balance.
- “Barclay Damon’s HATCH program provided me with flexibility and comfort while transitioning out on maternity leave and then back into practice. From pregnancy to motherhood as a practicing attorney, I felt supported by my firm and a commitment to my continued growth.” –Carolyn Marcotte Crowley, Partner and HATCH Program Co-Coordinator
- “HATCH increased the paid time off that I had with each of my children. I am forever grateful for the additional time I had to bond with my children in their first few months of life, and I will cherish the memories forever.” –Brittany Lawrence, Partner and HATCH Program Co-Coordinator
- “When my daughter was born, the HATCH program allowed me to spend meaningful time with my family that I could never get back. I did not feel at all discouraged to take time away from work, which is proof that the firm is serious about its commitment to respect its employees.” –Scott Fleischer, Counsel