Onward Insights - March 2025
🌱 New Month, Fresh Insights
The March edition of Onward Insights is live, and this one goes way beyond the offer letter.
We’re talking real retention, smarter transitions, and what law firms actually need to keep top talent engaged. Think: onboarding that works, career moves with strategy, and how AI is quietly (and not so quietly) shaking up the legal world.
If you’re building for the long run, whether you’re hiring or being hired, this one’s for you.
👉 Dive in. Let’s grow smarter, together.
In-House Insights: Why Timing Your Move Matters
When is the right time to leave the law firm grind for an in-house role?
If you jump too soon, you risk lower salaries and limited career growth. Wait too long, and you could price yourself out of opportunities.
This article breaks down why 6-10 years of law firm experience is the sweet spot for making a successful in-house transition.
Read on to find out how to maximize your earning power and career trajectory.
Beyond the First Week: Cracking the Code to Onboarding
Experienced associates already bring exceptional legal skills to the table, but thriving in a new law firm means understanding the unwritten rules, unique workflows, and the expectations of supervising attorneys.
Most firms nail the first week of onboarding, but what happens after? Discover how a strategic 90-day roadmap can help transform new hires into long-term contributors and build a stronger foundation for your team.
Ready to refine your firm’s onboarding strategy?
Onward Insights - February 2025
Our February newsletter explores what creates true value in today's legal market, beyond the tired "we have great people" cliché.
Discover how forward-thinking firms differentiate themselves and why lateral career moves can fast-track professional growth.
Check out our latest insights on redefining value from both the firm and candidate perspective, plus practical tips to help you stand out in 2025's competitive landscape.
Silencing Self-Doubt in Your Job Search
Feeling Stuck in Your Job Search? You’re Not Alone - And Here’s How to Push Forward
Job hunting as a lawyer can feel like an uphill battle, especially when firms ghost you, feedback is nonexistent, and the competition seems impossibly fierce. Whether you're transitioning from a generalist to a specialist role, aiming for a firm with better mentorship, or simply looking for a change, self-doubt can creep in fast.
Up to 72% of job seekers say the process impacts their mental health, and for lawyers - perfectionists by nature - the struggle is even more intense. But here’s the truth: rejection is rarely about you. Hiring decisions are complex, opaque, and often out of your control. So how do you stay confident and resilient while navigating the legal job market?
In this guide, we break down a no-nonsense approach to conquering self-doubt, setting realistic goals, and leveraging key resources (yes, including legal recruiters!) to land the right role. If you’re tired of vague job search advice and want actionable strategies that actually work, this one’s for you.
Future-Proofing Your Career: Stay Ahead in an AI-Driven Industry
The legal landscape is evolving at a breakneck pace, with AI, automation, and shifting employer priorities reshaping the profession.
How can attorneys ensure they remain competitive amid these rapid changes—especially while balancing demanding workloads and high billable hour requirements? The key lies in proactive skill development.
In this post, we explore the essential technical, soft, and hybrid skills that will keep you indispensable in the legal field, as well as practical strategies to fit professional growth into your busy schedule.
Lateral Moves in 2025: Should You Stay or Should You Go?
Wondering if it’s time to make a lateral move?
The legal job market is in flux, and firms are becoming more strategic in their hiring.
Whether you're seeking better compensation, more client interaction, or a healthier work-life balance, this guide walks you through the key factors to consider before making a move.
We cover market trends, salary negotiations, and how to set yourself up for success.
Read on to determine if now is the right time to take the next step in your career.
Culture by Design: Stop Letting Your Law Firm’s Identity Run on Autopilot
“Our people.” Every law firm says it, but that’s not a strategy, and it’s definitely not a differentiator. If firm culture truly drives recruitment, retention, and long-term success, why do so many firms treat it as an afterthought? The days of “culture by default” are over.
In this article, we dive into Culture by Design. How law firms can move beyond generic platitudes and create an intentional, tangible culture that sets them apart in a fiercely competitive talent market. We’ll explore real data, actionable strategies, and the key shifts firms need to make to attract and retain top legal talent.
Fast-Track Your Future: The Hidden Perks of Switching Firms
The data is clear—lateral associates in AmLaw 200 firms are making partner at more than twice the rate of those who stay put.
But the benefits of a lateral move go far beyond partnership. Expanding your skill set, broadening your client base, and growing your professional network are just a few of the advantages that can put you on the fast track to success.
Discover how making a strategic move can supercharge your career and open doors to new opportunities.
Onward Insights - January 2025
Starting a new year often brings thoughts of career changes, but navigating the legal job market can feel overwhelming.
At Onward Recruiting, we understand these challenges firsthand and are here to guide you with practical insights and personalized support.
Check out our January newsletter for actionable strategies to advance your legal career in 2025, including tips for self-assessment, digital presence optimization, and mastering today's evolving workplace dynamics.
Whether you're actively seeking change or simply exploring possibilities, let's partner to make your next career move the right one.
"I Still Feel Like a Fraud": Why Experienced Attorneys Struggle with Imposter Syndrome (And What to Do About It)
You've made partner, won major cases, or closed seven-figure deals. So why do you still feel like you're one mistake away from being exposed as a fraud?
If that sounds familiar, you're experiencing what up to 82% of successful attorneys grapple with: imposter syndrome. And contrary to what you might think, it often intensifies with experience. In this post, we'll explore why highly accomplished lawyers struggle with feeling like imposters, and more importantly, provide concrete, actionable strategies to combat these feelings.
Whether you're a mid-level associate or a seasoned partner, discover why these doubts persist and learn practical tools to build authentic confidence in your legal career.
The Magic of Mentors
Mentorship is the key to unlocking your potential.
This post explores why mentoring programs, now common across nearly all major law firms, are essential for attorneys at every stage of their career. From practical tips on finding the right mentor to insights on building resilience, enhancing your professional brand, and unlocking new opportunities, this article provides everything you need to thrive in a demanding profession.
Whether you’re an associate looking to grow or an experienced attorney navigating change, discover how intentional mentorship can accelerate your success.