Why does this man look so happy?
Hutchinson Black and Cook attorney Keith Edwards is enjoying his sabbatical send off party at CU’s classic sports bar, The Dark Horse. The Colorado Buffalo party theme was perfect for someone who attended CU both for his undergraduate and law degrees – with a stop over at MIT for a masters degree – Edwards is looking forward to a summer of fun with his wife and three sons with other adventures to follow.
Edwards is one of a long line of HBC attorneys and staff who have taken advantage of HBC’s one-year sabbatical policy over the last 50 years. Other HBC attorneys and staff have used their sabbatical leave for everything from becoming a river raft guide in New Zealand, attending cooking school in Paris or London to teaching math in the Amazon rainforest, navigating the medinas of Morocco, completing a bluegrass album, and many other personal and professional goals.
As one of the oldest law firms in Colorado, HBC has a long history of forward-thinking policies that support attorneys and staff. Its sabbatical policy was adopted in 1972 to promote “life enrichment and reflection, improved health,” and has long recognized the importance of extended leave for personal and professional growth. The one-year leave – which is separate from vacation, parental leave or family medical leave – is available after 10 years of service for attorneys (and every 7 years thereafter). HBC’s staff members are given up to six months leave after 8 years with the firm.
A sabbatical may not be for everyone, but HBC encourages “everyone strongly to take a sabbatical when his or her turn comes around.” It’s just another example of why HBC is such a great place to work and build a career!