Attracting and retaining talent: an obstacle course

February 17, 2023 | HR

Retaining talent, a major challenge in all sectors. Today's young graduates have become demanding about their working conditions. If they are not satisfied, they will leave. We are far from the "40 years in the same company" model. Today, we explore, we want to touch everything, we want a pleasant team, we want to be able to work remotely... In short, there are many criteria to take into account if we want to attract and retain talent.
Of course, this trend also applies to lawyers. Did you know that 30% of a CAPA class no longer practices after 5 years[1]? Such a volume is indicative of the disappointment of young lawyers when they start to practice. Is it a simple mistake? Or the inability of law firms to provide "attractive" working conditions?
According to the Thomson Reuters "2021 Law Firm Business Leaders Report", 51% of law firms consider attracting and retaining talent to be a major issue for the firm's profitability [2].
And of course, it's common sense. Each team member who leaves involves another recruitment, onboarding and training phase, which costs the firm time and resources. It is clear that law firms must be creative and flexible in order to offer their partners and associates attractive working conditions, to create and consolidate a strong and competent team, which will contribute to the good reputation of the firm, to a strong brand, and thus to a flourishing business. On the contrary, if no effort is made at this level, disengaged, unproductive, negative behaviors can be observed... In short, everything that should be avoided!
We investigated the strategy for attracting and retaining talent in law firms. Based on our discussions with young associates, and with more experienced partners, we were able to identify 4 keys to building a team that stays, and is productive! And, spoiler alert, it's not about salaries, it's about working conditions and valuing individuals!

1. Encouraging collaborative work

A paradox, you may say, in a context where remote work is increasingly popular. However, the idea is to set up a work system in which we maintain ties with our team, where we cultivate the spirit of belonging to a group, while supporting flexibility and autonomy at work.
How do we do this?
By standardizing dematerialized exchanges! Use digital communication methods, an internal messaging system, a virtual safe to share and modify your documents as a team, and intuitive project management tools. Offer your employees working methods that bring them closer together! The feeling of belonging and the "corporate culture" are important retention factors for lawyers too.

2. Promoting transparency and efficiency

There is nothing worse for a lawyer than to work for nothing, or to have his actual workload questioned. The follow-up of the work done and the recording of time are therefore essential elements in the practice of the lawyer's profession.
How do you do this?
Make sure you use software that allows you to record actions performed, plan future actions, and keep track of time worked. This way, your teams will be much better organized, more efficient, and a real follow-up of accomplishments can be done, which will be appreciated by your clients!

3. Simplify everyday tasks

As you know, the legal profession is undergoing a digital transition. The Covid-19 crisis has precipitated the need to use modern tools to work more efficiently at a distance, while securing data exchanges.
How do you do this?
Legaltechs are providing increasingly sophisticated and intuitive tools to make your life easier. Using an all-in-one software, visually pleasing and easy to use, contributes greatly to the motivation and well-being of your teams. The important thing is to be able to reduce the load of repetitive and non-productive tasks, which quickly weary the talents, to offer them an environment in which they will devote themselves fully to their activity as lawyers.

Today, all this is possible, and at LegalProd, we know the subject!

Also read:
Reinventing your employer brand to attract and retain talent
3 keys to attract and retain top legal talent in 2022

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