Boodle Hatfield announces new gender-neutral parental leave policy

Boodle Hatfield, the leading private wealth and real estate law firm, has revealed a new equal opportunity parental leave policy. The new policy is available to all employees and Partners across the firm and is believed to be a market first for an independent London law firm.

To encourage equality across the business, the firm has decided to alter its approach to what was previously known as Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental and Adoption Leave. The new policy includes access to 26 weeks fully paid leave (spread across 39 weeks), regardless of gender. It applies to primary and secondary parents and carers, including adopters for all employees and Partners with 12 months’ service. The new provision also includes new support for those undergoing fertility treatment, with an entitlement to five days paid leave per annum to attend appointments and treatment.

This new policy seeks to provide employees and Partners, irrespective of gender, with greater support when they become parents, provide more operative provisions as they transition back to work, and to aid the balance between work and family care. The new announcement is a further step in the firm’s endeavours to encourage inclusion, diversity, and gender parity in its workplace. The new provision was launched following a review of benefits for Boodle Hatfield employees and Partners and forms part of a phased rollout of new benefits.

Andrea Zavos, Senior Partner at Boodle Hatfield says: “Providing access to flexible parental leave no matter your gender reflects our dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment.

We understand the challenges that come with balancing a personal and professional life, particularly when raising a family. We want to support our people to build their careers and fulfil their potential in and out of the workplace.

We are pleased to be early adopters of equal opportunity policy changes and to provide a more comprehensive offering to our team and one that clearly aligns with our values.”