If you’re a woman working in a law firm and have a family, you know well the challenges of keeping up with both obligations. Per a Wall Street Journal post, despite some big firms’ efforts to retain counsel through more flexible schedules and even part-time positions, “associates are still dropping out in droves.” Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP has responded to this with a unique program to welcome back female attorneys.

The post quotes once-past-now-present firm attorneys who were delighted to have this opportunity to return to work for their former employer. While one employee was concerned she may be rusty, she fell right back into step reading complaint and motion papers. Another noted how much technology has changed the legal industry: the Internet is here and keeping track of time entries in a journal is long gone.

The attorneys in this Davis Polk program will stay on for at least a year. If both sides agree it’s a good fit, they will continue the work they once felt they had no choice but to leave behind. A great step forward for women attorneys and diversity efforts.