Amid an expanding arms race in Big Law over who has the most flexible workplace policy—at least on paper—some lawyers at smaller firms may be wondering what all the fuss is about.

Last month brought a wave of flexibility policy announcements at big firms, first from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, followed by Jackson Lewis and Baker McKenzie. But by putting work-life balance in the spotlight, these large firms are highlighting a benefit that many lawyers at midsize and smaller firms already take for granted.

“The ability to be able to do the work in the way that works best for them, it's attractive at our firm,” said David Pudlin, managing partner of midsize Philadelphia firm Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller. “I think big firms are probably moving in that direction because they have to from a recruiting point of view.”

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