As the title says. When I was a junior associate 20 years ago, my firm didn’t really have the paternity leave benefits that most firms have today. I remember taking 2 weeks off for the birth of my daughter and I worked from home most of that time. Today, many firms offer 4 month paternity leaves , which I think is a great improvement. I obviously don’t have this option, but I’m not sure I would have taken 4 months as a first or second year because I would have been scared to fall behind my peers. What are others’ views on this? Should a first year take 4 months paternity leave? What about a senior associate on their third or fourth child?
[I realize this question asks about paternity as opposed to maternity leave and recognize this may be viewed as sexist, which isn’t my intention even though I know that may be how it comes across; I apologize if I offend anyone.]