News

Herrick Feinstein Litigation Co-Chair On Work-Life Balance

March 23, 2022 – Media Mention
Law360 Pulse

Carol Goodman, co-chair of Herrick's Litigation Department and chair of the firm's Employment Practice, was interviewed by Law360 Pulse about her recent election to Herrick's Executive Committee. In this Q&A, Carol talks about the current challenges facing law firms and why firm management needs to prioritize attorneys' work-life balance.

Carol joined Herrick in 1993, and the firm has grown substantially since then. Beyond that, the firm has weathered several recessions, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. She reflected that being with Herrick as it has successfully weathered recessions, 9/11 and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has given her the experience to help set up the firm for continued and future success.

Carol added, "I've learned a lot over the decades starting as a junior associate, and then a partner, and most recently being part of the emergency management team which navigated our firm, and clients, through the pandemic." 

When asked about the biggest challenges facing law firms today, Carol said:

"Competition for business and retention of talent. There is a lot of competition out there. In addition to being great litigators and winning our cases, we need to understand our clients' businesses. You want to act as consigliere to your clients and be able to handle any problem that arises. You cannot do that if you don’t understand their business."

Law360 Pulse asked Carol what her advice would be on getting more women into leadership positions. She responded:

"First, management must recognize the importance of work-life balance is critical. We have to be creative and open to different types of arrangements to retain female attorneys. Then, the next step is to encourage them to take on committee/leadership roles within the firm. But it all comes back to retention and work-life balance."

The full Q&A feature can be viewed on Law360 Pulse