But change is underway. Most policies did not exist five years ago. An estimated 54 million Americans a quarter of the adult population care for an ailing parent, spouse, child or significant other. The number of caregivers is expected to rise with greater longevity and shorter hospital stays. Caregiving is especially challenging when combined with a demanding professional career.
Some bar associations maintain support groups and draft policies for firms with attorney-caregivers.
The Maryland State Bar Association recently began a support group. And the city bar of Philadelphia recently developed a model policy for law firms with attorney-caregivers. The policy outlines the legal rights of caregivers and persons being cared for. The article Making Caring Easier highlights some attorney-caregivers, and shares their insight on balancing career with caring for a loved one. The attorneys differ on how much information to share with clients about non-legal responsibilities, but they agree that you should confide your situation to your firm, your staff, and judges.