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THE NEW YORK
BAR FOUNDATION

About the Committee

Committee on Lawyers in Transition

The Committee on Lawyers in Transition was initially formed to address the challenges faced by attorneys who have left the workplace temporarily, for brief or extended periods, on maternity or paternity leave, or because of family or other obligations, and then wish to return to the workforce after such absences.

With the growing number of lawyers finding themselves in "transition" not by choice, the committee’s immediate focus is now on attorneys who have been laid off due to the economic downturn.

If you are currently unemployed, looking to make a career change, leave your current job or transition back to the workforce after time away from the profession, the Committee on Lawyers in Transition is here to help.

Committee Chair: Lauren J. Wachtler, Esq.

Mission Statement:

Attorneys are often required to leave the workplace temporarily, for brief or extended periods, on maternity or paternity leave, or because of family or other obligations. They face many challenges returning to the workforce after such absences. The Committee on Lawyers in Transition develops initiatives to enable lawyers to remain connected to other lawyers and the profession before and during a career interruption, and to help lay the groundwork for future re-entry.

The Committee on Lawyers in Transition will establish outreach and mentoring programs for lawyers who have temporarily left the legal profession. The Committee will also assist lawyers transitioning back to the workforce by offering pro bono work opportunities, networking opportunities and continuing legal education courses.

The committee will undertake the following initiatives:

Identify the particular challenges of re-entering the workforce
Provide career services
Sponsor networking and recruiting events targeted to those who are returning or expect some day to return to the legal profession
Establish networking programs to enable lawyers to connect with those who have successfully returned to the workforce to share experiences and tactics
Provide training and updates
Establish a mentoring program
Offer programs on job search and networking skills
Work with employers to identify resources available for maintaining ties with employees who have left the workplace
Examine and make recommendations about flexible work arrangements
Examine what can be done to avoid the “time off” penalty
Draw upon relationships with firm leaders

History of the Committee

In August 2006, NYSBA president, Mark H. Alcott appointed Lauren J. Wachtler to chair a new committee to be called the Special Committee on Women Lawyers in Transition: Returning to the Workforce/Legal Profession. At the first meeting, the name of the committee was changed to the Special Committee on Lawyers in Transition. The committee's mission was changed to include all transitioning attorneys.

At the November 2008 House of Delegates meeting, the Special Committee on Lawyers in Transition was made a Standing Committee of the New York State Bar Association.