I had been practicing law for over 20 years when I joined the firm in 2006. While interviewing with a senior partner who was a significant rainmaker, I was slightly skeptical about how a sabbatical program could possibly work. He assured me that everyone took advantage of the program, and I have seen that to be true. While the chance to totally check out and recharge my batteries was incredible, the more important impact of the sabbatical program is the team culture—we work, live, and take sabbaticals as a team—covering for each other and helping each other on a day-to-day basis every day of every year, so when sabbaticals roll around, we can flow right into them. While the sabbaticals are great, it is what the sabbatical program says about our firm as a place that values and supports the teamwork that is even greater.
Sue Oakes, Partner, Denver