The legal industry is evolving. Demand for legal services is on the rise post pandemic, thanks to areas such as cybersecurity, cannabis, labor, elder law, energy, IP, health, and artificial intelligence. Firms are investing in resources and professional development to excel in these industries, but they are not investing in workplaces that will house the next generation of attorneys.
Look in many suburban law firms today and you may find endless paper storage, a “men’s club” aesthetic, dark mahogany and tufted leather chairs. Research shows the average tenure of a law firm associate is 2-3 years, giving firms a narrow window to impact the recruitment and retention of staff, especially younger associates. Fresh attorneys move more frequently in search of opportunity and salary bumps, while seasoned lawyers tend to stay longer, so the workplace plays a critical role in retention.
Now, more than ever, it must deliver an experience.