Paternity Leave Popular, Even for Partners-to-Be
July 2008, The American Lawyer/New York Lawyer

The American Lawyer recently featured an article about the new wave of young male associates who are taking paternity leave when their children are born — even those who are considered to be on the partner track.  16 associates took paternity leave at White & Case last year, up from the years before, a pattern of growth that mimics that in other AmLaw 100 firms.

"It started with one, then five, then 10," says Susanne Wamba, White & Case's director of health and welfare benefits.  The Firm had a one-week paternity leave policy until three and a half years ago.  "Male parents are more outspoken, and family life is more important to younger lawyers."

"Being a father is the single most important aspect of life," says Brian Bank, an associate in the Litigation Practice at White & Case in New York, who "didn't hesitate" to take paternity leave when he found he and his wife were having twins.  "It's part of our compensation and benefits."