Photo caption: L-R: Helen Milburn, Emily O’Neill, Philippa Walker, Erica Turner, Caroline Harrison (HR Assistant).
In the legal world, flexible working arrangements represent a very rare opportunity, as mums Emily O’Neill and Philippa Walker know only too well.
However, both believe they have found the perfect work life balance, after Jacksons Law introduced term time contracts and flexible working arrangements.
Philippa is in partner Erica Turner’s commercial property team. It was Erica who came up with the idea to widen the talent pool the firm could choose from by offering term time contracts and flexible working arrangements.
Erica explains: “We had some positions to fill and we got together and thought ‘how can we make these positions more appealing?’
“It was likely that the people we were trying to attract would have children and that was a key factor in determining what route we would go down.
“It was approaching June and July and we were thinking, ‘What would someone with children want at this time of year?’
“They might need to be off work for six weeks – and that’s where the idea of term time contracts came in.”
The plan worked, as Erica says the firm received three times the number of applications it would normally receive for a standard contract – with both male and female applicants, highlighting how the more flexible role could also suit men and Dads.
“The two new recruits at the firm are on different types of contracts – term time or flexible contracts,” Erica says.
“This shows that as a firm of solicitors, we can be flexible around childcare and term time and other things.
“We’ve managed to come up with a flexible arrangement that works for both Jacksons and the employee.
“It’s been very much about having an open conversation with the employees.”
Philippa said: “I’m a mum of two young children and it’s hopefully going to allow me the opportunity to find the perfect balance and excel in my career while also being a parent, as Jacksons are really looking to embrace this idea of term-time contracts and support me in the role.
“They are moving forward with the times, with people wanting more flexible working patterns for all sorts of reasons.”
Helen Milburn, partner and head of private client, wills, trusts and probate, has welcomed Emily to her team.
Emily works three days per week, choosing different days in the school holidays to what she does in term time.
Helen said: “We are a very flexible and family-friendly firm and department.
“The offer of term-time contracts and flexible working arrangements is very forward-thinking. When the idea came up, people think ‘why are you doing it?’ but we would say ‘why aren’t we doing it!?’
“If it works for the business and appeals to people with families and children in school who might not have otherwise considered a role in the firm, it’s a win-win.”
Emily says: “My flexible working arrangement means I can have a good balance between my work and family life.
“It’s nice to know that Jacksons are offering that flexibility, where your hours aren’t rigid and you’re not stuck to set days.”