So you have studied for at least five years, sat the New Zealand Bar, completed a graduate programme and worked for a couple of years in the law profession, been promoted to Senior Solicitor and potentially even lived overseas. Now you are at the point in your life, you are asking … What is next?
The New Zealand Law Society recently stated that as of the 1st of February 2019 the Millennial generation contributed 44% of all New Zealand-based practising lawyers and 51% of said Millennial Lawyers were indeed females. It is pretty common perception that the Millennial generation (myself included), who are born between early 1980’s and mid 1990’s, are known for needing constant change and challenge. They look for recognition, responsibility and change on a regular basis, this has meant that they tend to hold more job roles and less tenure than the generation prior due to wanting more and more in shorter time frames.
Working in recruitment, I have come to understand the benefits of basing yourself in one company and also the benefits to a company of keeping ‘Millennial’s’ engaged, or any staff member for that matter.
Today it appears that Law firms are listening to the younger generation and making the benefits more enticing. The normal ‘benefits’ still pop up: progression, regular pay reviews and a high level of work. Since Christmas we have had a number of conversations with clients and candidates alike, Law firms are now offering flexible working hours, work from home options, mentorship, secondments and overtime pay, social clubs, mental well being coaching and cultural education.
They are also recognising that the office culture is the most important impact on employee morale, productivity and then of course company revenue. One of my candidates started a position on Tuesday last week, during their interview they discussed that they were a keen sailor and on Thursday afternoon they completed their induction with one of the Partners on his boat, while discussing upcoming clients and caseloads. One of my candidates who is on interview with a client at the moment has met the Partner and is now on second interview, a coffee meeting, with a Senior Associate and another female Solicitor in the team, this is to give an overall impression of the culture and the team itself. Finally one office also organised to take their entire team to Rakino Island for a spot of lunch and a team bonding afternoon.
That been said, what are law firms actually expecting from you?
Yes you have studied for at least five years, sat the New Zealand Bar, completed a graduate programme and worked for a couple of years in the law profession, been promoted to Senior Solicitor and potentially even lived overseas…. Now you are looking for a new role. You are expecting a competitive salary, regular mentoring and amazing team culture with all the benefits listed above.
This is where the hard work starts; law firms are looking for you to business develop, to network, to mentor staff, to train staff and to come up with new businesses ideas and strategy. Some people would call this ‘hard work’ and some will call it progressing their career. As much as Millennial’s are perceived to crave achievement, the recognition and of course the success of having a bustling career while showing Generation Z how it is all done!! This is the way forward and although you may lack experience and training in staff management and business development it is a great advancement on your career and your lifestyle. Imagine having the respect of your peers, work from home option, a high level of work (a portion that you are bringing in) and of course a great team culture that makes you generally love going to work every day – that is enough to make any Baby Boomer, Generation X and Millennial stick around! IF you’re looking for further skills development in those areas that might not be natural to you – Management and Business Development then please get in touch.