A guide to prepare you for a pregnancy or parental leave

The Law Society of Ontario originally created this guide in collaboration with law firms participating in the Law Society’s Justicia Project to assist in the development of pregnancy and parental leave policies. This updated version is meant to offer comprehensive guidance for different stages of pregnancy or parental leave for legal professionals in any work place (not subject to a collective agreement). It serves as a valuable resource to navigate the complexities of preparing for and managing pregnancy and parental leave while maintaining a successful legal career.

In this guide you will find information about:

Preparing for and returning from your leave: The guide outlines the importance of maintaining high-quality legal services while preparing for your pregnancy or parental leave. It suggests taking inventory of ongoing work, discussing workloads with colleagues and assigning tasks to others on your team prior to going on leave. 

While on leave, the guide emphasizes maintaining connections with your team and mentors without compromising the special time that you have with your new child.

To ensure a smooth return, the guide suggests developing a plan for your reintegration in advance of your return date. It provides advice on everything from arranging childcare to discussing your anticipated workload and opportunities that will allow for a seamless transition back into the workforce.

Download a comprehensive checklist  outlining what you should do before, during and after your pregnancy or parental leave. 

Your rights and your organization’s legal obligations: The guide clearly outlines the legal obligations and rights surrounding pregnancy and parental leave, highlighting the following: human rights obligations; legal protections against discrimination; benefits and accommodations that organizations are obliged to provide during this period. 

Childcare tips and resources: Lastly, this guide includes information on childcare options, covering both registering for daycare and hiring a nanny. It provides questions and checklists to consider when evaluating caregivers and insights into choosing the right childcare arrangement for your family.

Download the full guide for a more details about the topics covered, including checklists and additional resources that will allow you to prepare for a smooth pregnancy or parental leave. 

Note: This guide provides general advice and guidance to help you prepare for a pregnancy or parental leave. It contains information specific to the law firm setting; however, the overall principles apply to an in-house or government setting. The term “organization” is used to represent all these scenarios. This guide does not provide legal advice.