Parental leave entitlements
In June 2022, AWLA conducted a survey of firm’s parental leave entitlements. The purpose of this survey was to increase transparency and discussion around these entitlements. It built on a survey undertaken by the Wellington Women Lawyers’ Association, which was a direct approach to members rather than employers. It also followed from a number of questions AWLA received from its members about paid parental leave and from observations of a reluctance to proactively share this information during recruitment processes.
We are pleased that some firms either directly changed their policies as a result of this survey, or noted that their policies were under review. We are hopeful that this survey may act as a catalyst for change to both generate discussions around parental leave and also to bring law firm’s enhanced parental leave entitlements and surrounding policies in line with other professional service firms and corporates throughout New Zealand.
Basis of reporting:
• Survey conducted June-July 2022, the results therefore reflect a snapshot in time
• Initial request to Auckland law firms only, but many of the firms are nationwide in any event
• 34 law firms invited to participate. AWLA had a 50% response rate and responses from all of the largest firms in terms of employee headcount.
• Selection of law firms predominantly medium to large
• Invited responses to series of approx. 10 questions and/or provide copies of their policies.
• The results have been published verbatim at this stage in line with how firms responded to AWLA (other than the removal of additional information outside the scope of the question and where answers have been streamline for brevity).
• Will update annually. Firms should get in touch with AWLA should they wish to participate.
• Feedback is welcome, including on whether there is any other information that AWLA’s members would be interested in us reporting on in the future.
AWLA Parental Leave Entitlements Survey 2022
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