Why Associates Leave is Clear, But What Would Lure Them to Stay?
Posted Apr 21, 2008, 12:41 pm CDT By Martha Neil
Associates are leaving in ever-increasing numbers because of grueling hours, boring work and a poisonous law firm culture, experts say. But it isn't as clear what can be done to lure many to stay on after their first four to five years in practice.
In 2000, not quite 60 percent of associates surveyed by NALP left their firms within about five years. By 2005, the Hildebrandt International Inc. legal consulting firm found that associate attrition in the first five years had risen to nearly 80 percent, according to the Maryland Daily Record, a legal and business publication.
"Every time an associate leaves, it can cost a firm up to $350,000 to hire and train someone new," the Daily Record wrote.
However, there's no consensus about exactly what law firms need to do to stop the associate outflow. Randi Lewis, the director of diversity and professional development at Miles & Stockbridge, says family-friendly scheduling and leave policies advocated by the firm's women’s committee have boosted its retention of female associates. Contrary to the stereotype that women lawyers may have difficulty finding time to have children, Miles has female attorneys with two, three and even four children, she says.
My favorite part? The whole question about - "but what would lure them to stay?" Gee, I don't know dipshits - maybe addressing the issues of grueling hours, boring work, and poisonous law firm culture? Perhaps that would also help lower the 70% divorce rate within three years of graduating from law school. Seriously - of people who are married going into law school - 70% percent are divorced within three years of graduation. My property professor thought it was hilarious to have the married students raise their hands and then remind us of this statistic - he did it at least once a week. Ahh - good times!
In case you, like me, missed it - here is a clip of probably the best ten minutes of television this year, and maybe ever. It was recommended to me by one of the head attorneys in the Exxon Valdez oil spill case mentioned in the clip. It is sooooo fake - but its points - especially the criticism of the Court, the US Corporatocracy, and the death penalty are spot on!
I can't believe that was on ABC!
And last but not least - check out these pics I took this morning with my cell phone:
Apparently there is a wild turkey wondering around outside the law school today. The second pic is the turkey on the ledge of the building just outside the window of my fourth story study room. I only wish I could have seen it fly up here.
Have a great weekend!
