The traditional legal workplace has undergone an seismic shift experienced during the COVID pandemic. Embracing existing technology has transformed the legal landscape, enabling lawyers to work from anywhere, conducting online consultations. This new normal presents exciting opportunities and challenges.
EMERGING TRENDS
Many firms have mandated that staff spend three to four days per week in the office, depending on their function, ranging from litigation support, document review, or simply answering phone calls.
Law firms have made significant changes, adopting digital tools and platforms to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and improve collaboration among legal professionals, clients, and stakeholders.
To foment collaboration, tools such as video conferencing, and document-sharing platforms help attorneys:
- streamline the process,
- work seamlessly with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders virtually,
- foster teamwork and improved outcomes on legal cases.
Virtual courtrooms and online dispute resolution reduce the time of legal proceedings and the adoption of artificial intelligence enhances legal research capabilities and automates repetitive tasks more efficiently executed by AI.
Working remotely has helped offset overhead costs, eliminate geographic barriers and attract top talent. Leveraging technology streamlines the legal processes while enhancing efficiencies.
Benefits include:
- flexible work hours and locations,
- limiting time-consuming commutes,
- promoting a better work-life balance,
- increased productivity, and job satisfaction.
CHALLENGES
The legal industry is adapting to the increasing needs of their clients by focusing on the quality of their relationship. Firms realize they must demonstrate how they can act as a true business partner and deliver long-term value.
Top challenges facing the legal industry:
- Law firm recruitment & retention,
- Fee-earner burnout,
- Lawyer competency,
- Remote & hybrid workplace.
Clients are looking for their law firms who understand the legal issues facing their businesses but also understand the dynamics of the marketplace. It’s absolutely critical that law firms not only attract top talent but that these candidates have the soft and hard skills to advise clients who are grappling with some of the most fundamental issues facing our society.
For those in the job market, work with a legal recruiter who has a solid reputation and is known for their integrity. Do your due diligence before selecting a recruiter. Never work with a recruiter who blasts your resume to firms without your permission – by doing so will definitely jeopardize your chances of landing the job you’re looking for.
A good starting point to selecting a recruiter is to search the (NALSC) National Association of Legal Search Consultants. Once you’ve chosen one, trust them to help you navigate the often stressful process of landing a new position.
The legal industry is making strides towards creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace, which is essential for the industry to thrive.
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Source: The legal profession in 2023, Harvard Business Review
https://hls.harvard.edu/today/the-legal-profession-in-2023/
Lots of opportunities going on in the legal industry right now. Don’t make a move without assessing your worth in the marketplace. Let us be your GPS! We create a strategic plan that is unique to your needs.
Call 516-731-3400 or email Shari@onbalancesearch.com. To learn more about compensation visit our website at https://www.onbalancesearch.com.
About On Balance Search Consultants
On Balance offers great insight and industry intelligence. Shari Davidson, president of On Balance Search Consultants, advises experienced attorneys at every stage of their career to take them to the next level. From making the lateral partner move to succession planning.
Shari takes a proactive approach to advising law firms on how to take a firm to the next level and helps rising talent make the transition to the right law firm. On Balance Search identifies opportunities that exist today, not down the road.
Contact us today. Call 516.731.3400 or visit our website at http://www.onbalancesearch.com
Please note that the content of this blog does not constitute legal advice and is only intended for the educational purpose of the reader. Please consult your legal counsel for specifics regarding your specific circumstances and the laws in your states pertaining to social media and any legal restrictions regarding the law.
