Parental Leave Policy
4-5 Gray's Inn Square Chambers is pleased to share with you the updated Parental Leave Policy. In 2023, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officers strengthened the policy, collaborating with the Chambers Parents and Wellbeing Group and the Management Committee. The central aspects of the policy are discussed in Ramya Nagesh's article here.
Since writing this article Ramya gave birth to a healthy baby. 4-5 has assisted many parents in Chambers with taking parental leave and returning to a successful practice. In the last year, eight members of Chambers have had children.
Some of the key features of the policy are:
Payment of Chambers’ rent is suspended for the period of parental leave taken.
On return to work, the barrister need only pay their percentage of receipts for the first six months rather than receipts plus rent.
4-5 Gray’s Inn Square has set up a room to enable pumping of breast milk in privacy and a dedicated storage space for breast milk.
At least three months before the barrister's anticipated return, consideration must be given to (a) the appointment of a mentor to help the barrister settle back into practice, (b) decisions as to type, duration and location of hearings which includes decision to work flexibly, (c) any need to attend refresher courses in the barrister’s relevant practice area(s), and (d) ways of informing clients that the barrister will be returning to practice.
On return to practice, 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square supports flexible working. The clerking team actively assist the barrister with managing a practice which works with caring for children.
The policy directly addresses the situation where pupils or prospective pupils become pregnant and/or have childcare responsibilities.
The policy equally applies to members who experience stillbirth, miscarriage or death of an infant.
Our Chambers is committed supporting members who wish to have a family.