In the run-up to the 2024 presidential election, a notable trend has emerged within the Biglaw community: fewer firms are offering paid time off to their employees to participate in voting and volunteering efforts. This represents a shift from the 2020 election, where many firms within the Am Law 100 and 200 actively encouraged civic engagement by providing Election Day as a paid holiday. This year, according to Above the Law, only a minority of these firms, such as Mintz, have continued the tradition of offering a full day off.
The decline is underscored by the responses, or lack thereof, from other major firms known for their previous initiatives in 2020. A report by American Lawyer highlights that many firms did not confirm whether they would reinstate their full-day voting PTO policies. However, firms such as Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison; Debevoise & Plimpton; Hogan Lovells; and Davis, Polk & Wardwell have indicated they would provide time off as required by the legislation in various states, including stipulated two-hour voting windows.
Some firms have reevaluated their stance since 2020. For example, Hogan Lovells, which previously granted a full day off, is now allowing two hours at either the start or end of the workday for voting. Other firms like Orrick, Jenner & Block, and Akin Gump have remained notably silent on their plans, pointing to a broader quieting down across the sector this election season.
Despite this shift, the call to engage in the democratic process remains strong. It is a reminder of the importance of civic duty, and if law firms are not providing additional support, individuals are encouraged to ensure they have a voting plan. Citizens can access resources such as vote.gov to facilitate their participation.