Generational clash: Differing workplace attitudes pose biggest challenge for junior lawyers

Avatar photo

By Legal Cheek on

18

Exclusive research: Managing mental health and workloads among key challenges for Gen-Zers, along with addressing knowledge gaps


Law firms say that one of the major challenges for junior lawyers entering the legal profession in the coming years is navigating the varying generational perspectives at work, exclusive research undertaken by Legal Cheek has shown.

Out of nearly 40 law firms surveyed, over a third (36%) said that the biggest hurdle for aspiring Generation Z lawyers will be dealing with the difference in workplace attitudes between themselves and their older colleagues.

For example, previous research has suggested that Generation Xers (those aged between 44 and 59) tend to prioritise long-term career growth and stability over job-hopping, and also prefer a more hands-off leadership approach, valuing independence and autonomy in their work.

By contrast, Generation Zers (those aged between 12 and 27) are more likely to prioritise career advancement and opportunities for skills development, often seeking out new experiences and challenges early in their careers. They also tend to respond well to collaborative and inclusive leadership styles, preferring frequent check-ins and guidance from their superiors.

The research also identified addressing potential “knowledge gaps” (31%) as another significant challenge for those entering the profession, alongside the ability to effectively manage mental health (11%). Other areas mentioned by law firms included client care and meeting professional standards (6%), managing workloads (6%) and legal knowledge gaps (6%).

The 2024 Legal Cheek Firms Most List

The research also examined law firms’ approaches to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), with all 36 respondent outfits confirming they offered “quality” CPD opportunities to their junior lawyers.

Most firms delivered these opportunities either through online seminars (50%), half/full-day courses (33%), conferences (6%), and mentorship schemes (6%), with nearly three-quarters (72%) using a combination of in-house and external training providers to do so.

Regarding areas for further development, firms highlighted personal skills such as resilience and time management as their top priority, followed by business and commercial attributes like leadership and client-focused communication. In addition, firms also flagged core legal skills such as drafting and oral communication, along with specialist/technical legal knowledge.

The most popular considerations by firms when planning a CPD initiative are its relevance to current legal trends and recommendations from lawyers. These were followed by budget constraints and accreditation and compliance requirements.

When evaluating the success of a CPD programme, two-thirds of firms stated that they primarily relied on feedback from participating lawyers. Only 14% identified the impact on lawyers’ job performance as their top consideration.

Finally, we also took the opportunity to question firms about their approach to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

The vast majority of law firms (89%) said that they require non-law students to complete a conversion course before undertaking the SQE. Additionally, all but three firms stressed the need for their future lawyers to pursue supplementary training alongside their SQE studies, with the top three choices being LLM/master’s programmes, practice area-focused modules, and skills-focused courses.

Sixty-four percent indicated that this is arranged through an external provider, while a quarter utilise a combination of external providers and in-house resources. Only 3% — or one firm — stated they would exclusively provide this additional training in-house.

CPD and the SQE will be central topics of discussion at LegalEdCon 2024, Legal Cheek’s annual future of legal education and training conference, taking place in-person at Kings Place, London, this Thursday (16 May). Delegates will hear from a range of law firms and law schools on how they are developing and implementing these programmes as the profession continues to get to grips with the new regime.

Related Stories

Legal industry among worst offenders for unpaid internships, study finds

Many grads relying on ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’

2 days ago
3

Slaughter and May names new managing partner

Joined MC firm as a trainee

2 days ago
People using social media on their mobile phones

The best social media posts of the week

A round-up of online musings, memes and more

2 days ago

Linklaters retains 75% of trainees globally

Several rookies heading to different offices around the world

3 days ago
2
careers SQE Hub

The benefits of studying while working – my SQE journey

BPP student Charlotte Marshall discusses distance learning, qualifying work experience and why she values flexibility

4 days ago
Harvey Specter

Harvey Specter’s apology to law students

Actor behind student fav worries show misrepresents law

4 days ago
3
Barrister's wig and gown

Number of pupil barristers continues to rise, data shows

Diversity stats see minor changes

5 days ago
8
ChatGPT

Another lawyer faces ChatGPT trouble

Documents referenced 'nonexistent' cases

5 days ago
3

How to future-proof your legal career with tech and AI

Slaughter and May’s senior client and practice solutions manager, Emma Walton, discusses legal tech, innovation and the firm’s latest competition for students

6 days ago

Monday morning round-up

The top legal affairs news stories from this morning and the weekend

6 days ago

Legal industry among worst offenders for unpaid internships, study finds

Many grads relying on ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’

2 days ago
3

Slaughter and May names new managing partner

Joined MC firm as a trainee

2 days ago
People using social media on their mobile phones

The best social media posts of the week

A round-up of online musings, memes and more

2 days ago

Linklaters retains 75% of trainees globally

Several rookies heading to different offices around the world

3 days ago
2
careers SQE Hub

The benefits of studying while working – my SQE journey

BPP student Charlotte Marshall discusses distance learning, qualifying work experience and why she values flexibility

4 days ago
Harvey Specter

Harvey Specter’s apology to law students

Actor behind student fav worries show misrepresents law

4 days ago
3
Barrister's wig and gown

Number of pupil barristers continues to rise, data shows

Diversity stats see minor changes

5 days ago
8
ChatGPT

Another lawyer faces ChatGPT trouble

Documents referenced 'nonexistent' cases

5 days ago
3

How to future-proof your legal career with tech and AI

Slaughter and May’s senior client and practice solutions manager, Emma Walton, discusses legal tech, innovation and the firm’s latest competition for students

6 days ago

Monday morning round-up

The top legal affairs news stories from this morning and the weekend

6 days ago

Legal industry among worst offenders for unpaid internships, study finds

Many grads relying on ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’

2 days ago
3

Slaughter and May names new managing partner

Joined MC firm as a trainee

2 days ago
People using social media on their mobile phones

The best social media posts of the week

A round-up of online musings, memes and more

2 days ago

Linklaters retains 75% of trainees globally

Several rookies heading to different offices around the world

3 days ago
2
careers SQE Hub

The benefits of studying while working – my SQE journey

BPP student Charlotte Marshall discusses distance learning, qualifying work experience and why she values flexibility

4 days ago
Harvey Specter

Harvey Specter’s apology to law students

Actor behind student fav worries show misrepresents law

4 days ago
3
Barrister's wig and gown

Number of pupil barristers continues to rise, data shows

Diversity stats see minor changes

5 days ago
8
ChatGPT

Another lawyer faces ChatGPT trouble

Documents referenced 'nonexistent' cases

5 days ago
3

How to future-proof your legal career with tech and AI

Slaughter and May’s senior client and practice solutions manager, Emma Walton, discusses legal tech, innovation and the firm’s latest competition for students

6 days ago

Monday morning round-up

The top legal affairs news stories from this morning and the weekend

6 days ago