1. A healthy sabbatical. Working excessive hours will eventually take its toll on your physical and mental health, family relationships and career. Time away for paternity leave is a great opportunity to rest your brain muscles and re-engage in regular physical exercise. For me, it was a weekly tennis lesson.

2. Respect from clients and peers. I found that taking a well-planned paternity leave may actually increase your professional stature at work. First, it shows clients and colleagues that you are a family man. It also shows self-confidence

3. Developing transferrable skills. Being a full-time dad requires managing a household and juggling schedules, expanding your ability to multi-task and performing under pressure. Most men would return to the office improving upon time-management and multi-tasking skills.

Steven J. Wernick is a partner with Akerman in the real estate practice group. He focuses his practice on land use, zoning, and urban revitalization in Miami's emerging neighborhoods. Wernick also sits on the board of directors of Children's Home Society of Florida, the oldest and largest child welfare provider in Florida. He lives in Miami's Coconut Grove with his wife, Emilie, and their three energetic boys.