Biglaw Telecommuting Forum

[LondonCallingV10]

There are some people at Shearman who are really weird about this - seems to be a trust problem. I turned down a senior lateral position there once because when I asked in the interview how often people worked remotely (which had never been an issue at all in my previous firms) they got very funny about a minimum of 9-5 attendance in the office being crucial for the group dynamic.

Well-run firms in my experience are totally flexible with the people they trust - so while it would probably not be great for a first year to work from home a lot (they need to establish relationships and learn from watching others), more senior people should come and go as they please provided they are always available and doing a good job. I never mind juniors I am working with calling in from wherever they are once I have worked with them for a bit and trust that they will get the job done - most of my colleagues feel the same.

I would go so far as to say that having to formally institute (and even worse, think it is worth publicising) a remote working policy, is a sign of am unhealthy control-freak culture.

[ballouttacontrol]

Man some of these policies are bizarre to me. Everyone at my office comes and goes as they please, including first years and interns. Just get your shit done

[Anonymous User]

Kirkland, at least in Chicago, allows you to work from home as much as you want. Wouldn't be a good idea to do 100% of the time, but people do it all the time.

I dont really think this is a radical thing.

A couple years ago Kirkland Chicago had a guy who lived in Raleigh and worked at the Chicago office. Not a partner, and I believe started his second year. Had to come to Chicago once a month for practice group meetings.

[Anonymous User]

A couple years ago Kirkland Chicago had a guy who lived in Raleigh and worked at the Chicago office. Not a partner, and I believe started his second year. Had to come to Chicago once a month for practice group meetings.

Is this a common thing for associates or young of counsel? I'm going to make a run for partner these next 2 years but if it doesn't pan out I might just ask if I can work from Salt Lake or Jackson, Wy.

[ballouttacontrol]

A couple years ago Kirkland Chicago had a guy who lived in Raleigh and worked at the Chicago office. Not a partner, and I believe started his second year. Had to come to Chicago once a month for practice group meetings.

Is this a common thing for associates or young of counsel? I'm going to make a run for partner these next 2 years but if it doesn't pan out I might just ask if I can work from Salt Lake or Jackson, Wy.

I posted directly above you but my firm has a ton of Of Counsels that do this and live in BFE