Many attorneys on the job market are in search of a job which offers them the flexibility to work from home, or to work longer hours (some days) while taking other days off.  But how does a job seeker effectively negotiate flex-time before accepting a job offer? Below are a few tips:

1. Don’t mention flex-time in the first interview or the second interview unless the interviewee brings it up first.  Even if an employer has a policy of offering flex-time, bringing this up too early could work against you.  Wait until after the employer has offered you the job to negotiate flex-time.
2. Do your research. If having flex-time is an important issue, then make sure you are applying to companies that actively offer flex-time to their current employees.  Speak with former and current employees to find out what their experience was when requesting and then taking flex-time.
3. Tell your recruiter. Let your recruiter know that flex-time is important to you so that they can send your resume to companies that are compatible. It doesn’t make sense to apply for jobs at firms which not only refuse to offer flex-time but that may expect insane amounts of overtime.
4. Prepare your negotiations like you would a good legal defense.  Find out what the employer’s objections might be and then counter them.  Most employers are concerned about decreased productivity when workers take flex-time. If you have a track record of high productivity despite working from home, then make sure the employer is aware of that fact.
5. Offer a compromise.  If the employer seems resistant to giving flex-time right away, consider requesting that it’s added after three or six months of employment.