While it is somewhat common for full-time partners to move to part-time work after a certain period of time, Weir's transition is unique in that she actually started on a nine-day fortnight just a couple of years into her career.

"I found that I was completely exhausted from work. I felt going into my first and second year in law with a learning curve that was so steep and endless that I was spending my weekends recovering from my busy week at work," she said. "I knew back then that I needed to take the intensity out of work, and find some balance,"

These days, after having three children, Weir is working a three-day week and finding that, for the most part, she is able to maintain her role within the capacity of the three days.

While keen to give a full commitment to work but never to working on weekends, Weir said her part-time role was made possible with forward planning, effective time management and support from the firm.

Noting that part-time work also required support from mentors who could advocate such flexibility, Weir added that her group head, Greg Campbell, was instrumental in making the arrangement possible.

"The flexibility I've had? You name it and I've done it and it has usually been at my choice with his support and cooperation."

What also helps is the fact that the Major Projects group at Maddocks includes three other lawyers also working part-time in flexible positions that the firm actively recruited for. "I think it means they're fresher because they're not here everyday," said Weir.

- Angela Priestley