BigLaw Perks: Superficial or Fundamental?

A New York Times article detailing new perks designed to keep associates happy in BigLaw firms is making the rounds. These perks range from surprise treats likes milkshakes and candied apples to personal valet services, mental health professionals, and full-tiime in-house childcare.

Childcare = Superwoman's Big Secret

I stumbled on a great little article about a lawyer mom who is “keep[ing] the scales in balance”, posted on The Chicago Tribune. It’s a nice read except for one glaring omission: any mention of childcare arrangements. The focus of the article is a full-time patent lawyer, Sharon Hwang, who gives credit to her husband, her sister, her parents, and her firm for helping her keep her life balanced.

Practical Tips for Successful Live-in Child Care

Many two-professional families confront the issue of what is the best solution for childcare. There are the options of a live-in nanny, a live-out babysitter, care in somebody else's home setting, childcare centers and, the most coveted "relative care" choices.

Personally, I have never had the option of having grandma or auntie take care of the kids so I have had to choose among the other less-desirable options. We've always gone with the live-in option. We choose the live-in option because of the flexibility. When the 6 year old was little he was usually sleeping when I went to work and I loved that I didn't have to pack him up and take him somewhere in the car in the early morning. I have never had a job when I know precisely when I'll be home at night and I'd hate to have to say to the partners or clients in the middle of a late afternoon meeting -- "If you'll excuse me I have to get my kids from childcare" as I bolt out of the conference room. At the same time, I'd hate to be late to work because the nanny is stuck in traffic in the morning on her way to our house.

Nannies are most common in the Northeast region of the United States but as somebody who hasn't lived in the NE since college, I have found that I am usually on my own when it comes to finding good live-in care. For that reason, I thought I would pass along some practical tips that have served us well.