The American Lawyer Interviewed Partner Julie Gerchik on Juggling Family and Client Expectations During the Holidays

Julie Gerchik, a litigation partner in the Century City office of Glaser Weil, was up until 3:30 in the morning baking pies close to Thanksgiving. She still had to be at work by 8:30.

“My 5-year-old loves baking,” she said.

Gerchik made the conscious decision to make homemade pies so her child could help earlier in the evening, knowing that it would mean a long day on short rest.

It’s a decision professional women frequently have to make. For many women, regardless of education level, professional success or the presence of a supportive and progressive partner,  the “traditional” holiday responsibilities of family organizing, cooking, children’s activities and entertaining still fall on their shoulders.

“In our society, I think women are disproportionately expected to take on the ‘traditional’ role,” Gerchik said. “Working women in particular are still expected to do it all, and that is difficult.”

Gerchik noted that she believes most women who take on the traditional duties as well as a high-powered career want to be doing both; they aren’t forced. But that doesn’t make it any easier.

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