Post-pandemic (I guess I should specify the COVID pandemic, since we seem to be gearing up for the next (avian flu) one), Biglaw firms have been balancing their in-office needs with those of associates. Because, while associates have enjoyed the flexibility of working from home in a hybrid schedule, firms have seen a dip in associates’ work product that they attribute to working from home. So, firms are trying to thread the needle, launching hybrid work schedules that generally require associates to be in the office three to four days a week. (Often leaning on technology and levying real consequences to ensure compliance.)
But Sullivan & Cromwell is bucking that trend. The firm recently announced a full-time (five days a week) in-office policy.
As Reddit user lawschlthrowaway notes:
S&C moves to full RTO, lawyers expected to be in office 5x a week
Other details of the new policy:-Remote work generally only permitted if an associate is eligible to adopt a flexible-time schedule
-Managing partner approval is needed for remote work arrangements. Max of 1x per week for a maximum of 6 months.
-Junior lawyers “generally will not be authorized to work remotely”
-Compensation and vacation time will be docked if you work a number of client hours less than a full-time schedule while working remotely
Even though other firms have been successful with the honey over vinegar method of getting folks back to the office, S&C seems to be going full hog with the command and control approach. As a tipster told Above the Law, “Associates are furious, many are looking into quitting. Morale could not be worse.”
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Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @[email protected].
