Law firm partners are expressing growing discontent with the performance and attitudes of so-called “Zoom associates” – the cohort of newcomers who joined firms during and since the pandemic. In conversations with consultants and firm leaders, frustration has been voiced about these younger associates, characterised in some instances as ‘lacking accountability and initiative’.
As part of this ongoing issue, certain firms have intensified the pressure on attorneys – including associates – to return to the office. This has culminated in associating office attendance with bonuses. Upon identifying this trend, at least six Am Law 100 firms have followed suit, with Ropes and Gray being one of the latest.
It’s critical to note that the desires and motivations of younger lawyers and aspiring lawyers appear more diverse than they were in previous generations. The article is part of an ongoing series exploring these changes and challenges in the contemporary legal workplace.