They follow Baker McKenzie in being the latest law firm to make the change — in an industry shift that will no doubt be followed by other major players in the space.
And they follow the announcement from Hewlett Packard Enterprise this week, which promised all new parents a massive 26 weeks of paid leave.
As well as the 18 weeks leave, the new Allens policy will also see new parents paid superannuation on top of the unpaid component of their parental leave (up to 34 weeks).
But what will no doubt be particularly appealing to lawyers is that new parents will also be granted a temporary break from billable expectations when they return from mid to long-term parental leave. A reprieve that will certainly be welcome in the early weeks of returning to work.
Finally, the Allens package also promises personalised support to new parents while on leave, as well as one on one and group coaching.
Allens says the enhanced package comes following consultation with staff.
Partner Valeska Bloch, who was involved in creating the new package, says it will make parents feel better supported.
“In the past I think people have been worried that taking time out to care for a new child would be a career limiting move. I actually found it to be the opposite – parenting helped me build skills that I feel have made me a much better lawyer, leader and colleague,” she said.