JOANNE SOSLOW

J.D.: 1991
Business Transactions
Philadelphia

Joanne Soslow joined Morgan Lewis after four years at a large Philadelphia law firm. She worked full-time for two years and then adopted a part-time schedule so she could devote more time to her family. Today, Joanne is a partner in the Business Transactions Practice and the mother of two boys, ages 4 and 6.

Flexibility is the key to finding balance in a law firm. Working part- time allows me to accomplish what I need to – at work and at home – but on my own schedule. The firm’s expectations of me are the same as they are for a full-time lawyer: keep the client happy.

Part-time work is not about having a part-time commitment to the firm; it’s about having a full-time commitment with the flexibility to work from home and respond to client and team member inquiries by phone, webmail and voicemail. Clients view accessibility and responsiveness as crucial. With the advent of new technologies, I am responsive to clients’ needs without physically being in the office. In addition to the many lawyers in the firm and my wonderful secretary, I rely on the considerable services available: word processing, resource support, computer support, BlackBerry® handhelds and cell phones. It’s easier to be flexible at a large firm where there are so many resources to draw upon.

A component of being a success at Morgan Lewis is having a happy, balanced life. It’s nice to know you’re a part of a firm that respects you as well as your family.