Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. Named Finalist for Talent Management Initiative Award by the New Jersey Law Journal
Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. is pleased to announce that it has been named a finalist in the Talent Management Initiative category of the New Jersey Law Journal's 2026 New Jersey Legal Awards. This recognition is due in part to the firm’s innovative sabbatical program, which provides full-time employees with a fully paid six-week sabbatical every five years, along with full benefits and billable-hour credit. Pashman Stein's sabbatical program reflects the firm's longstanding belief that its success is driven by the talent, commitment, and well-being of its people.
“The strength of any law firm is its people,” said Michael S. Stein, chair and managing partner. “We have always believed that supporting our attorneys and staff is not only the right thing to do, but essential to building a firm where talented professionals can thrive over the long term. Programs like our sabbatical initiative reflect that belief, and we are honored that the New Jersey Law Journal has recognized our commitment to creating a workplace that values both excellence and well-being.”
The sabbatical program is the latest chapter in a sustained, firm-wide, decades-long effort to build a workplace culture that prioritizes well-being, meaningful work, and professional development, which leads to greater retention, recruitment and overall well-being and satisfaction. Other initiatives include: (1) no fixed in-office days for attorneys and flexible hybrid work schedules for all staff, including a presumptively remote August; (2) reduced billable hour guidelines; (3) the Justice Gary S. Stein Public Interest Center, which provides opportunities to engage in pro bono and public interest work with billable hour credit, injecting meaning and purpose into attorneys’ professional lives; (4) a generous parental leave policy, for attorneys and non-attorneys alike, offering primary and secondary caregivers four months of fully paid leave; and (5) monthly happy hours and social events throughout the year.
This recognition highlights Pashman Stein's ongoing investment in its people and the strong culture that has supported the firm's growth and success.
The New Jersey Law Journal’s announcement of the awards can be found here. The winners will be announced and honorees recognized at the New Jersey Law Journal’s gala on October 29, 2026.
The New Jersey Legal Awards are published by the New Jersey Law Journal. A description of the selection methodology can be found here.
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
