Law firms focus on attraction, neglect retention

Legal consultant John Chisholm believes firms could to do more to keep their top lawyers engaged, saying that many major firms have excellent strategies for recruiting talented lawyers, but could do more to retain them long term.

City firms interviewed say the contract enables trainees to develop legal judgement working with senior lawyers

‘I think firms tend to have very good attraction strategies (especially the big firms) but I think many tend to neglect the retention side of things,” Mr Chisholm said. “Once they have got you, only the very strongest or the very malleable survive. Those that do have good retention strategies use the obvious: a great culture, interesting work, a career path.’ He believes that younger lawyers in particular need to be provided with interesting work and a strong sense of career progression. ‘Compared to my day when it was something of a badge of honour to be a one team player, these days there is more credence given to a range of experiences in different firms and environments,’ he said. ‘The younger lawyers also tend to crave involvement, a firm with a clear strategy and direction, a career path – even if they don't use it. Whereas the older they get, they tend to want security and comfort.’ Source: Lawyers Weekly

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