The firm director’s solution to my situation was to extend my maternity leave, by dint of another paid leave. To qualify I had to sign a letter claiming I was suffering from postpartum depression. The medical diagnosis they would obtain themselves. I cannot describe how insecure it all made me. The arrangement demonstrated the director’s goodwill and complete disregard for my professional performance. Thinking about it a little, it was obvious I wouldn’t have worked there for more than four years had I been a bad lawyer. However, knowing that was not enough; it didn’t free me from the feeling of having been treated unfairly. At one point I considered the possibility of suing them for sexism, but I didn’t have the energy to enter into such a lengthy and uncertain trial. Vincent thought the deal wasn’t so bad; the sum they offered was barely less than my salary.

“Think of it as a six-month vacation,” he said, trying to convince me. “Meanwhile, you can look for something else. You’ll find a better job, you’ll see.”