Carol Evans, Working Mother Media Founder and author of This is How We Do It: The Working Mothers’ Manifesto, seems to think that Michelle Obama will be a great role model for professional women, especially women lawyers who “have a big challenge combining work and family because of the 24/7 nature of being a lawyer.”

On the topic of part-time work, Evans says “Part-time professional work is still cutting edge. About 70 percent of working moms have said if they could, they would work a part-time schedule. It’s easier for entrepreneurs to offer. But in this environment offering part-time work to professionals could bring in talent at affordable rates.”

So, perhaps Michelle Obama’s slash-identity as mom/attorney/first lady will help bring further attention to the need for part-time, flexible work opportunities within the legal profession–opportunities that enable lawyers to better achieve work/life goals and support talent retention.

On the topic of on and off-ramping, Evans tells women to ”keep your hand in [your profession] and use flexibility tools, then you are much less likely to derail your career, the amount you earn, your pension. What you gain by staying in workforce is huge.”

Perhaps Michelle Obama’s visibility and own experience as a mom/lawyer will further raise awareness to the benefits of staying active in the legal profession while taking a career detour and facilitate the expansion of employer-sponsored ”mommytrack”, “back to law” (e.g., back to business), and re-entry programs.

Darling Hill Wants to Hear From You:  Do you think Michelle Obama’s new role will advance flexible work options in the legal profession?

For additional reading related to Off-Ramping and Staying Connected to the Legal Profession, check out Julie Tower-Pierce’s book, Staying at Home, Staying in the Law:  A Guide to Remaining Active in the Legal Profession While Pursuing Your Dreams (American Bar Association, 2008).