Careers in Law - Bifurcation of the Law-Firms

 There are two very different sagas playing out in law firms.

One is about a retrenchment in hiring of both associates and partners. In its April 2024 report the National Association of Law Placement documents this:

Hiring of associates is down 43% and of partners 10%

Lateral hiring is down 35%

More layoffs could happen. Meanwhile summer classes are smaller. 

On the other hand, we know from intel that some firms such as Kirkland and Ellis and Paul, Weiss are expanding geographically. That includes aggressive hiring and poaching (that is, lateral activity). More of this will continue, especially internationally as M&A picks up steam again in Europe. On the domestic front there are the opportunities where the energy industry is. AI consumes plenty of electricity.

No longer is any professional service such as law (or management consulting, finance or public relations) a monolith. That means you have to hone your skills, experience and networks to get into the ones hiring and figure out how to exit those falling behind. That kicks off, of course, in law school. The most useful daily intel is coming from professional anonymous networks such as Fishbowl, Reddit and Glassdoor as well as insider contacts at those law firms. 

Limiting beliefs? Self-defeating? Stuck? Complimentary consultation with Coach Jane Genova (text/phone 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com) 

 




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