I don't want to be a second class employee, given reduced proportional pay and benefits, fewer interesting and career-building assignments, and no chance for promotion or partnership. As long as reduced work schedules continue to be associated with motherhood, mothers will continue to face workplace discrimination. They will also continue to leave the law in droves, not a very good investment for firms, law schools, or society.

A "mommy track" also deprives fathers and sons the opportunity to devote time to caregiving, and persons without caregiving responsibilities the opportunity to pursue other legitimate and meaningful activities. Non-mothers will also not want to face the stigma associated with reductions or changes in work.

Do any of us really believe that working 80 hours a week for indefinate periods is sustainable or efficient? Let's tackle the root of the problem and change the way we view work. Let's change the belief that in order to be a valuable employee that you have to put work first at all times. Let's change the belief that only mothers want or need to ramp work down at certain times during their careers. Let's change the billable hour structure (encourages more work) and the benefits structure (encourages fewer employees). Then let's reap the rewards of having valuable lawyers who stay with their firms through their lives' transitions. And if it costs 2-3x's an employees annual salary to replace that employee, and if clients leave firms because they get tired of having to keep getting new lawyers up to speed, this is no chump change!