Parents in the Profession

For employees

Balancing a legal career and parental leave can be challenging. While it can be difficult navigating family life and work, parental leave does not need to mean a downturn in your career. Effectively planning your parental leave can help to smooth the transition between being on leave and returning to practice.

Taking parental leave applies to both male and female lawyers, and spouse sharing provisions in the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 allow for leave to be divided between partners.

Before you go While on leave Returning to work Parental Leave and CPD Practise on Own Account

For employers

It is important to be open about your employee’s parental leave needs to provide an inclusive culture, look after your employees’ health requirements and encourage long-term retention. Taking actions to support employees before, during and after their leave can help with greater productivity, smoother handover processes and a positive relationship with employees.

Before your employee goes on leave While your employee is on leave When your employee returns

For colleagues

Suggestions for supporting a colleague before, during and after parental leave.

Resources

Information on employment entitlements and eligibility is available on the Employment New Zealand website.
The Law Society of Scotland’s Parents in the Profession toolkits provide comprehensive guides on preparing to take parental leave, setting up for returning to work, how to succeed on returning to the office and other areas of parental leave.
See the Australian Government website for resources on supporting working parents and how to create an inclusive parent-friendly workplace.