Onward Insights - January 2024
First Impressions: Welcome to Onward Insights
Welcome to the inaugural edition of Onward Insights, the monthly newsletter from Onward Recruiting, where we bridge the gap between exceptional legal talent and the prestigious clients that seek them.
At Onward Recruiting, we're more than just a recruiting group; we're your partners in legal career advancement and professional growth. With over 50 years of combined experience in legal recruitment, our team brings unparalleled expertise and a personalized approach to every collaboration.
In this newsletter, we'll share insights, strategies, and the latest trends in legal recruitment and professional development. Whether you're an aspiring attorney, a seasoned law firm partner, or part of an in-house legal team, you'll find valuable content tailored to your career journey.
Ready to elevate your legal career or enhance your team with top talent? Let's move Onward and Upward together!
Your feedback is invaluable to us! If this newsletter finds its way into your email, please take a moment to open it on LinkedIn to like, comment, or share. Your interaction helps us understand our readership better and continue to provide content that resonates with you. Thank you for your continued support!
As we enter 2024, Onward Recruiting is strategically positioned at the helm of legal recruitment, steering through a year rich with advancements. Pivotal trends in Artificial Intelligence (AI), ESG frameworks, DEI initiatives, and the legal industry's labor and supply chain transformations are shaping our approach. The Bloomberg Law 2024 series (https://pro.bloomberglaw.com/bloomberg-law-2024/) cuts through the complexity of these developments, delivering insights that define the future of litigation, transactions, and compliance, and ultimately, the practice of law. Join us as we explore these pivotal trends that are setting the stage for a transformative year in legal recruitment.
The Rise of AI in Legal Practices
With AI increasingly integrated into legal operations, the demand for tech-savvy legal professionals is surging. Legal recruiters and law firms are focusing on candidates who are not only legally astute but also adept in AI applications. As Mary Ashley Salvino from Bloomberg Law notes, “2024 is shaping up to be an unprecedented year of new exploration for the FTC,” highlighting the growing importance of AI in legal contexts. This trend underscores a need for candidates who can navigate the intersection of law and technology, particularly in privacy and compliance roles.
Litigation and Transactional Trends Shaping Hiring Needs
The evolving litigation landscape, with a focus on gender-affirming care, reproductive rights, and bankruptcy law, points to a growing need for specialists in these areas. Similarly, the transactional realm's dive into NFTs, cryptocurrency, and global supply chains suggests a demand for legal professionals with expertise in emerging financial technologies and international trade laws.
Regulatory Changes and Compliance Skills
With a rise in unfair labor practices and international pay equity laws, there's an increased demand for legal professionals skilled in navigating complex regulatory environments. Legal recruiters are seeking candidates who can guide organizations through these nuanced compliance challenges.
The Changing Practice of Law: Implications for Recruitment
The integration of technology into legal practice is not only changing how law is practiced but also how it's taught. Law schools are adapting, blending practical skills with tech proficiency, a trend that legal recruiters must align with to identify candidates who are ready for the modern legal landscape. Additionally, the focus on closing the gender pay gap and enhancing DEI initiatives in law firms underscores the importance of not only recruiting diverse talent but also fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
Embrace the Future
In the swiftly evolving legal domain of 2024, the role of recruiters transcends the traditional. It's about insightfully aligning advanced skills, especially in technology and regulatory compliance, with the emerging needs of the industry. Onward Recruiting pledges to lead this charge, guaranteeing that every placement reflects a strategic foresight, paving the way for prosperous and innovative legal careers. Ready to make your mark? Connect with Onward Recruiting and be part of crafting the future of legal excellence.
Make your LinkedIn profile work as hard as you do! In the digital age, your LinkedIn profile is often your first impression. For legal professionals, a current and compelling profile is not just a nicety—it's a necessity. Here are actionable tips to ensure your LinkedIn presence is as dynamic and engaging as your legal practice:
Professional Headshot: Your photo is your virtual handshake. Ensure it’s recent, professional, and approachable.
Compelling Headline: Go beyond just your job title. Use this space to highlight your specialization and value proposition, such as "Corporate Attorney Specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions | Strategic Legal Solutions for Businesses."
Updated Experience: Regularly refresh your experience section to reflect your most current positions and responsibilities, emphasizing measurable achievements and case outcomes.
Skill Endorsements: Keep your skills section updated with relevant legal expertise and soft skills. Endorsements from peers can validate your proficiencies.
Recommendations: Seek recommendations from colleagues, clients, and mentors to build credibility. A well-rounded set of testimonials can speak volumes.
Publish Content: Share insights on recent legal developments or write articles on your areas of expertise. This positions you as a thought leader in your field.
Engage with Your Network: Regularly like, comment, and share relevant content. Engagement can increase your visibility and show that you’re active in your field.
Customize Your URL: A personalized LinkedIn URL is cleaner, more professional, and easier to share.
Banner Image: Use the background photo space to further brand your profile. Consider imagery that aligns with your legal field or firm branding.
Licenses and Certifications: Add any new certifications, courses, or bar admissions to bolster your credentials.
By taking these steps, you'll ensure your LinkedIn profile is an accurate and dynamic representation of your professional brand.
In today’s digital age, effective networking on LinkedIn is crucial for legal professionals seeking career growth. Beyond expanding contacts, it's about showcasing expertise, engaging meaningfully, and sharing wisdom with your network. Visit the post to share your insights and connect with like-minded professionals, truly embodying the spirit of professional collaboration and growth. https://bit.ly/48Cd3yP
Monthly Recap:
Lawyer Layoffs: 5 Tips for Job-Hunting Lawyers
Joan Feldman's article provides a timely guide for legal professionals amid industry layoffs, emphasizing proactive career management and strategic networking. It's a call to action for lawyers to fortify their job security and harness new opportunities in a volatile market.
Big Law Associates Speak Out: What Firms Should Know
A recent survey reveals a critical juncture for hashtag#BigLaw firms, with 1 in 4 associates considering an exit within a year and 60% feeling overlooked in retention efforts. This data calls for a strategic reassessment of how firms nurture and retain their talent, emphasizing the crucial role of deliberate retention strategies in shaping a thriving work culture and firm success. Dive into the conversation and share your views on the importance of retention in the legal industry.
With Salary Bump, Associate Compensation No Longer For The BirdsBut its office policy might be…
Alston & Bird is boosting associate salaries and offering tiered bonuses to align with market standards, a move welcomed amidst their impressive revenue growth. However, associates express discontent with the firm’s implicit expectation of a five-day in-office workweek, underscoring the complex battle for talent retention in today’s legal landscape.
Parting Thoughts: Join the Conversation
As we conclude this edition of Onward Insights, we extend an invitation for dialogue and exchange. Share with us how you navigate the fluid legal landscape, what strategies have helped you remain agile, or pose questions you'd like us to explore in future newsletters. Your insights will help shape our content and support the Onward community in collectively adapting to the dynamic world of legal practice. Reach out, engage, and let's continue this important conversation. Connect with us on Linkedin – your perspective is the cornerstone of our collective growth.
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