In a profession where billable hours, late nights, and weekend work tend to reign supreme, it can be anxiety-inducing to announce to your employer that you need an extended leave of absence. Who will cover your work? How will you make up the lost hours to satisfy your annual hourly requirement? Will this need for leave throw you off track for a promotion? What will your colleagues think about your commitment to work?

These are all valid and scary questions that lawyers may face during one of life's most monumental events—welcoming a baby. While the legal industry has made strides in supporting lawyers' need for time off following the birth or adoption of a child, paid parental leave is unfortunately not a ubiquitous practice, and antiquated attitudes still exist surrounding such leave. But, having children is a precious (and sometimes precarious) milestone—and at the end of the day, the work can and should wait.