Search results
May 21, 2024 · With people retiring later and a whole new generation (Gen Z) starting to enter the workplace, it’s more important than ever for law firms, and even recruitment agencies like Douglas Scott, to understand how these shifts will affect the workforce.
- ‘Snowflakes’ and ‘Boomers’
- What Are Law Firms Doing?
- Healthy Drinking Cultures
- Carers and Careers
- Creating Change: What You Can Do
- Inclusive Language
- Sharing Experiences
- Communication
The terms ‘snowflakes’ and ‘boomers’ are used in a pejorative manner to reference a set of generalisations. The so-called ‘snowflake generation’ represents what some see as the fragility of young people; their lack of resilience; their need for constant reassurance and special treatment; and their perceived lack of initiative. It was coined for mil...
Cooley LLP invests substantially in diversity and inclusion. Last year, it held a successful event on generational diversity. It set up a panel of staff (both lawyers and non-lawyers) from different age groups (generation X, baby boomers, millennials etc), who then discussed different ways of working (communication preferences, remote working etc) ...
The Law Society’s Junior Lawyers Division has highlighted the substantial increase in people under 35 who choose not to drink alcohol at all, or certainly not during the week. This affects client events, where choosing a non-alcoholic drink makes some people feel uncomfortable, as though it’s not ‘participating’ fully. In January 2020, the Junior L...
Young parents or carers find certain events difficult to attend, such as evening drinks or networking events (the average age of qualification has risen to 29, so more juniors are also parents). Speaking on the issue recently, international lawyer Miriam González Durántez recalled how nervous she had been to say: “I don’t do evening events” when sh...
Fundamentally, it’s about treating people as individuals. Simon Davis, president of The Law Society, said recently that any interviewer or employer should always ask themselves: “How does that person feel after leaving this office?”. Putting yourself in their shoes will help overcome prejudice or negative approaches to different generations. This i...
Kathleen Russ, senior partner at Travers Smith, emphasises the importance of inclusive language. “In order to facilitate effective cross-generational working, and indeed working across all diversity groups, we have been running a series of inclusive language sessions for all our staff and partners. Language, particularly relating to diversity and i...
Clearly, whatever generation we belong to, there will always be significant differences in experiences due to both global events and individual circumstances. Alleging that one generation has had it ‘easier’ than another is pointless; sharing experiences helps for everyone to see that all generations have their trials. Younger people need to recogn...
In the workplace, generational differences need to be embraced alongside supporting structures to encourage trust. Frequently, innovation comes from communication between people from diverse backgrounds, so allowing a forum for that discussion could give your firm a cutting edge. One of the most pertinent examples of innovation and collaboration du...
Feb 5, 2024 · This article provides two initial recommendations to assist with closing generational gaps in your law firms. Understand the current meaning of work. In 2021, Sara Korolevich, The Good Hire, conducted a study of 4,000 full-time Americans to assess the meaning of work across the generations.
Oct 6, 2023 · Bridging the Generational Gap of the Modern Legal Workplace. As the legal landscape continues to change shape and find its footing among its corporate counterparts, it's essential that those of...
Jan 10, 2024 · By changing the questions, law firms can change the conversation and intergenerational dynamic. When current law firm leaders proactively engage lawyers and professionals from all generations to understand what matters most, a new relevant paradigm and business model can emerge that invents a future where all stakeholders can flourish.
May 4, 2015 · According to recent analysis of how law firm leadership compares to its client counterpart, law firms are falling behind in transitioning leadership, business and relationship opportunities —specifically from Boomers to Gen Xers.
Mar 13, 2015 · NG: In today’s workplace, what can management do to go beyond the rules of employment law to cultivate an environment in which different generations of employees can thrive? BS: Understanding generational differences is essential.
