Onward Insights - August 2025
For years, associates have mentored summer classes, attended firm events, and sat through CLEs - all while knowing this work "mattered" but never quite sure how much. Now, some firms are putting a number on it.
The move to formalize "investment hours" alongside traditional billables isn't revolutionary on paper. Associates were already doing most of this work. But formalizing it? That feels different.
It's the shift from implicit expectations to explicit targets. And for lawyers already navigating a complex numbers game, that change is creating more conversation than expected.
We explore why this development is resonating across the profession, what it reveals about evolving workplace expectations, and how both firms and associates are adapting to new ways of measuring value.
Onward Insights - July 2025
A talent crisis is brewing in the legal profession, and it's hiding in plain sight.
While law schools continue producing graduates, the training infrastructure that develops them into experienced practitioners is rapidly shrinking. Summer associate classes are getting smaller each year as firms reassess the economics of entry-level hiring, creating a bottleneck that will leave the entire industry scrambling for mid-level talent within the next five years.
The implications reach far beyond BigLaw. In-house departments, boutique firms, and government agencies all rely on the same pipeline of experienced lawyers – a pipeline that's about to run dry.
We explore why this structural shift is happening, what it means for legal careers, and how smart organizations are already adapting their talent strategies.
Why Analysis Paralysis Is Derailing Smart Lawyers: A Psychological Perspective
Overthinking is costing lawyers real opportunities.
A candidate declined a simple meeting with a firm he admired—out of fear, not facts.
This article breaks down how legal training fuels analysis paralysis and why refusing low-stakes conversations can sabotage your career.
Onward Insights - June 2025
We’re halfway through 2025 and the legal market is anything but quiet.
Hiring cooled in Q2, but key trends are emerging: litigation is steady, real estate finance is hot, and in-house roles are on the rise.
Firms and lawyers who act now (while others wait) may come out ahead.
👇 Get the data, insights, and roles worth watching in our Mid-Year Market Check.
The Human Edge: Why Soft Skills Are Reshaping Legal Talent Strategy
As law firms cautiously adopt AI and automation, soft skills are emerging — not as new priorities, but as long-standing strengths now seen as competitive essentials.
In a profession where trust, judgment, and human connection remain irreplaceable, legal talent strategies are shifting their focus back to what has always set great lawyers apart.
This post explores why emotional intelligence, adaptability, communication, and leadership are becoming the primary differentiators in legal hiring and development. For firms and lawyers alike, it's not about reinventing the skill set, it's about doubling down on what matters most.
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.
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?
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.
2025 Trends: The Lateral market
Navigating a lateral move in today’s legal market requires more than just ambition—it demands insight into the forces shaping the industry. From the rise of hybrid work tensions to the growing appeal of mid-market firms and increasing expectations for portable books of business, the trends of 2025 are redefining the way lawyers make career moves.