The firm has also incorporated a pregnancy loss policy into its amended family policies
Baker McKenzie has boosted its support of staff members who are parents by providing fathers with enhanced paternity pay and leave.
“Ours is an inclusive firm, and we recognise that no two families or their circumstances are quite the same. Acknowledging at least some of these differences, and building empathy and greater flexibility into our policies, helps us to be a more supportive employer,” London managing partner Ed Poulton said.
Under Baker McKenzie’s amended family-friendly policies, paid paternity leave has been stretched to 12 weeks, a significant increase from the previous 2-week period. This extension applies also to adoption cases as well.
The 10 weeks of extra leave can be used any time within the first year of the birth or adoption of an employee’s child. The new policy comes into effect immediately and is being extended to the parents of children that were or will be born after 1 July.
“This change has been introduced to recognise that some partners may not have qualified for leave under previous policies,” Baker McKenzie explained.
The firm also announced the establishment of a pregnancy loss policy with immediate effect. The policy covers the loss of a child as a result of miscarriage, stillbirth, neo-natal loss, unsuccessful fertility treatment and abortion.
The policy extends to partners and those with surrogate mothers, and provides a minimum of five days’ fully paid leave to affected staff.
“The firm recognises that this can be extremely distressing for both parents and is committed to supporting employees who might require support after experiencing a loss,” Baker McKenzie said.
The firm also set up a parenting area to cater to new mothers, pregnant employees and parents. The space includes a parenting room for pregnant employees to rest in, as well as a room for new parents.
