The Need for Enhanced Support: GenZ Lawyers
There has been a growing dialogue in the legal industry about the support needs of lawyers, particularly those belonging to the GenZ category (those born between 1997 and 2012). This discussion was recently fueled by a job listing by a US law firm, Gibson Dunn, which suggested that GenZ lawyers require “more handholding” in the office.
Handholding: A New Term in the Legal Industry
“Handholding” in this context refers to the need for intensive guidance, mentoring, and support. GenZ lawyers, according to the job listing, may need “targeted training” due to the increased reliance on virtual communication and remote working in the post-lockdown era.
Why is There a Need for More Handholding?
The shift to remote working has transformed the professional landscape in several ways. For junior lawyers, one of the key challenges is the lack of traditional learning experiences that come from in-person interactions. The concept of learning through osmosis, where junior associates learn by observing and absorbing knowledge from their experienced counterparts, may have been compromised. As a result, there is a heightened need for structured support systems. This does not signify a shortfall in the skills or abilities of GenZ lawyers but rather highlights the changing dynamics of the workplace and the need for adaptive support mechanisms.
Revising the Perception of Handholding
The initial reaction to the term “handholding” may be one of surprise, as it is uncommon to associate it with professionals earning as much as £180k upon qualification. However, it is crucial to understand that this does not point towards a dependency syndrome but rather an adaptive process that caters to the changing circumstances.
The Role of Professional Support Lawyers
The role of professional support lawyers in this context is pivotal. They are responsible for creating and reviewing templates, conducting legal research, leading meetings, and delivering presentations. Moreover, they provide essential support to junior associates, providing targeted training and coaching to help them navigate their professional journey.
Moving Forward: Adapting to Change
The legal industry, like other sectors, must adapt to the changing professional landscape. The demand for more “handholding” among GenZ lawyers is therefore less about their specific needs and more about the way businesses and industries are evolving to meet new realities. The Gibson Dunn job listing, though now amended, has opened up a much-needed conversation about the need for adaptive support systems in the legal profession. As the industry moves forward, it will be crucial to address these needs in a way that acknowledges the changing dynamics of the workplace while promoting professional growth and development. Source: Top US firm says GenZ lawyers require ‘more handholding’ at work
