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.
Is Remote Work Dead? Let’s Not Bury It Just Yet
The remote work era may be ending, but the push for flexibility isn’t. Discover why work isn’t just about office spaces—it’s about people and priorities.
Onward Insights - December 2024
Ready for a clear-eyed look at the legal industry in 2024? Our latest Onward Insights newsletter examines the key lessons learned this year - from evolving workplace wellness priorities to changing career growth definitions. We also explore what 2025 might bring, including shifting technology impacts and specialized skill demands.
Bridging the Generational Gap: Empowering Gen Jones & Gen X Partners to Develop Zillennial Associates
The legal profession is navigating a generational shift that presents both challenges and opportunities for professional development. As Gen Jones and Gen X partners often clash with the learning styles of their Zillennial associates, it becomes essential to bridge this gap for a more productive work environment. Understanding the unique characteristics and expectations of each generation can foster collaboration and enhance workplace culture, ultimately benefiting both employees and clients.
To explore this topic further and discover actionable strategies for bridging the generational divide in law firms, click the link to read the full article.
Onward Insights - September 2024
This month, we're exploring the process of choosing the right law firm for your career. Whether you're a recent graduate or considering a lateral move, finding the perfect fit is essential for long-term success and satisfaction.
Our newsletter offers a comprehensive guide to evaluating potential firms, covering everything from culture and values to professional development opportunities and work-life balance policies. We've also included our popular Career Checklist for Lawyers to help you identify areas where you might be feeling stuck.
Don't miss our monthly recap featuring insights on why lawyers leave firms, strategies for work-life balance, and tips for standing out in a competitive job market. Ready to take the next step in your legal career? Let's connect and explore your options together!
The High Cost of Law School and the Golden Handcuffs Dilemma
The soaring cost of law school often leads graduates to seek high-paying Big Law jobs. But is the allure of a hefty paycheck worth the trade-offs? This blog post delves into the challenges of Big Law, the "golden handcuffs" phenomenon, and explores alternative paths that offer a different balance of compensation and quality of life.
Click to read more and discover:
The trade-offs of high salaries in Big Law
The "golden handcuffs" that keep lawyers trapped
Alternatives that prioritize work-life balance
How to make an informed decision about your legal career
Don't let the high cost of law school dictate your career path. Read more and make a choice that aligns with your financial goals, career aspirations, and personal values.