Law firms bear a significant responsibility in ensuring the success of their associates, particularly when demand for legal services slows down. Often, associates can find themselves without enough work to do for two main reasons. In a few cases, they may be frozen out and may need to explore other job opportunities. However, the more common scenario is a downturn in client demand, a situation that is not the associate’s responsibility to rectify.
When client demand wanes, the impact that this can have on associates is significant. This typically manifests as a decreased workload that might lead associates to believe their position is in jeopardy. However, the article published recently by The Legal Intelligencer strong emphasis that these scenarios should be seen as opportunities by law firms to invest in their associates and not as threats.
Falling client demand can be addressed, and law firms should bear the bulk of this responsibility. They need to develop strategies to diversify their client base and find new areas where their legal services can be applied. Law firms also have a role to play in finding ways to keep associates engaged and productive during such times, and exploring additional training opportunities until the demand picks up again.
Such periods of lessened workload should be seen as an opportunity by both the associates and law firms. Associates can capitalize on this time to develop new skill sets and areas of expertise, while firms should use it as an opportunity to strengthen their teams and build resilience into their practice.