3 minute read
The Changing Face of Law Firms: From Traditional Hierarchies to Future-Focused Structures
The Changing Face of Law Firms: From Traditional Hierarchies to Future-Focused Structures
Law firms have begun to evolve from the “good old days” – you know, back when your PQE determined your suitability to manage people, your boss monitored every minute of your working day, and you were expected to place firm and client above family and free time? Except, that doesn’t sound so “good” these days, does it?
Perhaps it was the pandemic showing us that we can work just as effectively from home, the increasing general understanding of mental health, or possibly even a growing appreciation of the very real implications of burnout and presenteeism. It might even be the result of this new cohort of young Gen Z lawyers making their way through into the workplace. Perhaps it was a combination of all these things, and possibly many more, but somewhere along the road the way lawyers view their work has shifted, and firms are now faced with having to change or lose their best talent as a result.
As a law firm owner myself, I embrace the opportunity to create a nurturing, inclusive and safe (psychologically and physically) environment for my employees. Yes, we perhaps go above and beyond by providing industry-leading benefits, such as 121 access to a nationally recognized burnout and sustainability coach, access to various therapeutic services and so much more, but the truth is that it doesn’t have to be overly expensive for employers to make a meaningful difference in their employees’ life. Providing benefits such as health insurance, death in service and critical illness cover are usually fairly cost effective for businesses, when considering the long-term costs of ill-health over prolonged periods of time due to increasing strain on the NHS.
Change doesn’t have to come at a cost either, you can make a positive impact on employee wellbeing by simply leaning into things like truly flexible working, better holiday entitlements and alternative working hours. Whilst often a foreign concept to archaic law firms, a greater work-life balance is now expected from many junior lawyers, paving the way for a new norm. And isn’t that a good thing?
If lawyers are less stressed, less tired, less pressured, surely that will inevitably lead to better outcomes for your clients as well as your firm. Why? Because a happy, relaxed and alert lawyer is proactive, will push for better outcomes and make fewer mistakes. They are more likely to see the bigger picture and think outside the box because they are not driven by fear to complete tasks at a paid pace.
This might seem all so obvious – yet far too many law firm leaders are refusing to adjust their mindset away from traditional models. They are the same leaders who called me naive when I set out the model for Circe Law, but two years down the road and countless awards and accolades later for our innovative culture, I am starting to think that maybe they were naive to settle for age old complacency. Only time will tell…
