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The American Lawyer's Young Lawyer Editorial Board

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board offers perspectives from a diverse group of attorneys representing every corner of the legal profession.

Commentary

As Clients Demand More Than Ever, How Can Lawyers and Firms Respond?

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | January 28, 2020

Clients are demanding more of outside counsel than ever before. An open dialogue can help both sides get what they need.

Commentary

Law Firms Need to Develop Attorneys Into Better Managers. Here's How to Do It.

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | January 10, 2020

Because of the unique skills required to become an effective leader, law firms should approach the selection and development of managers in new ways.
Commentary

Young Lawyers, Student Debt and the Path Not Taken

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | December 06, 2019

How has law school debt affected the careers and lives of young lawyers, and what would change if it were wiped out?
Commentary

LPOs Are Disrupting the Industry—and Young Lawyers Should Take Notice

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | October 31, 2019

Young lawyers can benefit from the changes happening in the industry and navigate law firms’ shifting business models by following a few recommendations.
Commentary

Cutting-Edge Practice Areas Are a Worthy Challenge for Young Lawyers

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | October 04, 2019

There are concrete steps young lawyers can take to get in on the ground floor and form a solid foundation of knowledge in an emerging field.

Commentary

The Archaic Bar Character and Fitness Exam Needs to Be Reformed

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | September 10, 2019

It is past time to reexamine the character and fitness process and critically scrutinize the patchwork, inconsistent and ambiguous standards.
Commentary

Associates Just Want the Truth About Billable Hour Requirements

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | July 30, 2019

Law firms need to be honest about what they expect, our Young Lawyer Editorial Board writes.
Commentary

To Young Lawyers, Succession Planning Is a Necessity, Not an Option

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | June 26, 2019

As younger generations begin to step into leadership roles at firms and take key roles in client relationships, firms would be well-served by taking younger lawyers’ concerns into account.
Commentary

Mastering Law Firm Economics Is Key for Young Lawyers

Young Lawyer Editorial Board | May 30, 2019

Young lawyers must learn to navigate and master the law firm money maze in order to succeed in Big Law.
Commentary

The Path to Partnership Offers Great Rewards at Great Costs

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | April 29, 2019

There is both pleasure and pain along the way, but every lawyer should strive to be better at their craft, whether they seek partnership or not.

Commentary

The Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making a Lateral Move

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | March 27, 2019

Young lawyers should take stock of not just the dissatisfaction they are experiencing, but the root causes of professional discontent.
Commentary

Burnout Is Part of the Profession. How Can Attorneys Avoid It?

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | February 26, 2019

Lawyers’ personalities, combined with the adversarial nature of the profession and the high-pressure environment of a law firm, make burnout a serious problem in the industry.
Commentary

To Keep Young Lawyers Healthy and Practicing, Humanize Big Law

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | January 29, 2019

Law firms can—and should—ensure their young lawyers don't feel overburdened and inadequate.
Commentary

In Critiquing the Legal System, Lawyers Can Do Lasting Damage

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | December 20, 2018

When we criticize, we must ensure that we mean for those criticisms to be taken seriously to avoid tainting the public's perception.
Commentary

Specialization Presents a Difficult Decision for Young Lawyers

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | November 27, 2018

Is a narrow focus the right move for your career?

Commentary

For Young Lawyers, the Changing Legal Landscape Means Opportunity

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | November 02, 2018

The world of legal tech offers a host of alternatives to the tried-and-true realm of Big Law.
Commentary

Pay Raises Can Be a Bittersweet Bump for Big Law Associates

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | October 03, 2018

Associate raises have side effects that firms should acknowledge and address.
Commentary

Law Firms Benefit by Showing Attorneys That Family Matters

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | August 31, 2018

Firms can help themselves—and their employees—by introducing family-friendly policies.
Commentary

From the YL Board: The Real Issues That Prevent Gender Equity in the Law

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | August 08, 2018

Three myths that continue to hold women back in the legal profession.
Commentary

Stagnant Progress on Law Firm Diversity Can't Continue

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | July 09, 2018

The American Lawyer's Young Lawyer Editorial Board calls for new ways of thinking to make meaningful change when it comes to diversity.

Commentary

We Need an Open Dialogue on Mental Health in the Law

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | June 01, 2018

The numbers are striking, and the concern is real. The legal industry needs to address lawyers' mental well-being.
Commentary

Young Lawyers Call For Revamping of Law Firm Offices to Meet New Industry Needs

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | May 03, 2018

The American Lawyer's Young Lawyer Editorial Board says reorganizing your office to fit the modern world can optimize work product while reflecting the values of the newest generation of lawyers.
Commentary

Young Lawyer Editorial Board: It's Time to Change the Way We Educate Lawyers

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | March 29, 2018

The expectations placed upon young lawyers have evolved over time. To keep pace, legal education must do the same. And there is a role for law firms to play, too.
Commentary

YL Board: This Is What Sexual Harassment in the Legal Industry Looks Like

The Young Lawyer Editorial Board of The American Lawyer | February 28, 2018

We call for the industry to avoid silence when witnessing harassment and hold perpetrators—no matter how big a book of business—accountable.

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Resources

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The Role of Evolving Support Structures in Optimizing Legal Talent

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72% of firms report equity partner attrition is increasing or staying the same. As lawyers face burnout and clients demand efficiency, profitability remains at risk. Based on survey responses from over 800 law firm leaders, this guide explores how leading firms are aligning client expectations with better resource management strategies to boost lawyer engagement, retention, and profitability.

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