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.
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.
Onward Insights - May 2025
Summer might seem like the legal industry's slow season, but that perception is exactly what creates the opportunity.
While firms manage summer programs and lawyers balance mentoring with client work, there’s a unique opening for strategic career movement that most people miss.
This edition of Onward Insights explores why Memorial Day to Labor Day is one of the smartest windows for lateral moves.
With fewer candidates in motion and firms operating at a slightly more reflective pace, summer offers the ideal conditions for thoughtful career conversations and smarter hiring decisions.
Onward Insights - April 2025
When traditional markers of success — title, compensation, prestige — no longer feel as fulfilling as they once did, it’s not failure. It’s evolution.
This month’s Onward Insights explores the concept of Aligned Ambition: how high-performing attorneys can navigate the tension between external expectations and internal clarity.
We’re talking about what to do when:
📌 Staying silent starts to feel easier than speaking up,
📌 Success looks good on paper but feels hollow in practice,
📌 You're not ready to make a leap, but you know you can’t stay the same.
Leaving isn’t always immediately possible (and often, it’s not the smartest first move). That’s why this issue focuses on how to stay strategically. Redrawing boundaries, reconnecting with what matters, and preparing for future transitions with intention and purpose.
We’ve also updated the look and feel of Onward Insights — a fresh new style for the fresh conversations attorneys need now.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Onward Insights - November 2024
As 2024 winds down, are you ready to face the challenges and seize the opportunities that await in the ever-evolving legal landscape? This month's Onward Insights is packed with practical strategies to help you build resilience and transform your legal career.
Discover how to:
Master stress: Learn effective techniques to navigate pressure and prevent burnout.
Cultivate strong relationships: Build a support network of mentors and peers to guide and champion your success.
Embrace change: Develop the adaptability needed to thrive in today's dynamic legal field.
Plus, explore valuable insights on proactive lawyering, the power of multiple mentors, and bridging the generational gap in law firms.
Onward Insights - October 2024
📢 Onward Insights: October Edition is Here! 📢
As we approach the year’s end, now is the perfect time to evaluate your professional presence and ensure you’re ready for every opportunity. This month’s newsletter brings you strategies to refine first impressions, prioritize mental wellness, and strengthen your brand in the legal field.
Whether you’re exploring new roles or preparing to network, these insights are crafted to help ensure you stand out!
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!