New law firm fringe benefit — elder care

A growing number of law firms are offering elder care as a fringe benefit.

According to Debra Cassens Weiss, Backup Elder Care Is Latest Benefit Offered by Big Law Firms, ABA J. Law News Now, July 23, 2008:

The Daily Journal lists 10 law firms that offer the benefit in California. They are Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker; Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati; Mayer Brown; White & Case; Dewey & LeBouef; McDermott, Will & Emery; Covington & Burling; Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher; O’Melveny & Myers; and Reed Smith.

Dependents enrolled in the program usually get up to 20 visits a year free of charge. One provider, Bright Horizons, charges law firms at an annual rate based on likely enrollment and usage.

Another backup care company, Work Options Group, conducted a survey that found the benefit reduces employee stress and absenteeism. It told ABAJournal.com that it contracts with 13 big law firms that weren’t mentioned in the Daily Journal article to provide backup care for children and adults.