With summer unofficially underway, many law firms in New Jersey and beyond are likely to see barren hallways as the weekends approach. But for those that seek to distinguish themselves from Big Law, or otherwise offer their employees an enjoyable place to make a career, work-life balance is treated more as a necessity than perk.

“We make it our business, frankly, to make sure that our people recognize the importance of leisure time,” said Robert Salad, managing partner of Atlantic City’s Cooper Levenson.