The Future Law Office is an ongoing research project that provides an in-depth look at trends and developments in the legal field. Through extensive research and interviews with industry experts, we identify issues that will impact your office and your career in the years ahead.

The convergence of a number of demographic, economic and social trends is making it more challenging than ever for law firms and corporate legal departments to attract, groom and retain top legal professionals. Decreased law school enrollment, a shortage in some markets of talent in high-demand practice areas, increased lateral movement, higher attrition rates, greater demand for flexible work arrangements and a sizable number of attorneys on the verge of retirement have intensified competition for talent among law firms and corporate legal departments.

As a result, law offices are re-evaluating the way they hire, motivate, promote and retain top performers, particularly women and minorities, two groups with high attrition rates. Law firms and legal departments recognize that they have reached a crucial moment in which they must develop and implement policy changes that meet the needs and priorities of today’s legal workforce.

Even some of the most tradition-bound law offices are deploying progressive staffing initiatives – from YouTube-style recruiting videos and part-time schedule options to diversity training and the elimination of mandatory retirement. The
stakes are high for all law offices: If they do not innovate, they run the risk of a
costly talent drain. 

Best Practices for Recruiting, Developing and Retaining Top Legal Talent provides an overview of the business and demographic trends that are reshaping the way law firms and legal departments acquire and retain legal professionals. This white paper evaluates how these developments will continue to affect the practice of law in the future.

Please take this opportunity to explore our website further. You will find a complete bibliography as well as links to useful websites that can help you better prepare for the future law office. If you would like more information, please call Robert Half Legal at 1.800.870.8367 or visit our website at www.roberthalflegal.com to request a free copy of the complete white paper.