Life in the legal sector is always adapting and evolving, but the recent changes we’ve seen have been nothing if not unprecedented. In the wake of the global pandemic, the ‘Great Resignation’ has seen huge disruptions to the way that many legal firms have been working- and being flexible is now more crucial than ever. It’s time to take action, to keep up with this new way of working.
The rapidly changing landscape
The changing landscape is a perfect opportunity for legal leaders to re-think, review and re-evaluate. So much has changed, and yet the end goal remains the same: to deliver a top class service, whilst nurturing a sustainable work-life integration for employees at the same time. So take this opportunity to evolve, grow and re-build, bigger and better for 2023.
Analyse your way of working and adapt a broader perspective on problem solving. Client needs are changing alongside employees’ and the global workforce as a whole is asking for a transformation that needs to be delivered. The way we work has changed, technology has evolved to accommodate those changes, and innovation is now central to the success of businesses across the globe.
So how can legal leaders forge ahead with these changes and ensure a smooth transition to this new way of working?
Be prepared to grow
Having a growth mindset will allow you to succeed in the face of huge change. Knowing that your success depends on your ability to learn, to extend your way of thinking, and to shape the future of your firm is the first step towards achieving your goals.
Accept that challenges are there to learn from and to educate employees. Finding solutions to problems that encourage collaboration and creativity should be celebrated- and this should be rooted throughout the whole business.
Stay flexible
The way we work has changed. The explosion of home working and hybrid working post-pandemic shows no signs of diminishing, and so businesses need to stay flexible in order to recruit and retain the top talent.
Leaders in law need to adopt this new working model and work with employees to develop strong client relationships and high engagement within teams. Make the hybrid working model work for you.
Joint initiatives are an excellent way for leaders in law to encourage a connection with clients, despite a remote working environment. Look for partnership opportunities and collaborations that will help bridge any gaps that might arise.
Be inclusive
You want the top talent. You want the best team to deliver the best service. And you want to keep them too. One of the best ways that you can ensure this is to be inclusive, and that starts right from the word go.
Being an inclusive employer needs to be a top priority, from your hiring process to your everyday working practises. Extending the talent pool is a great opportunity to ensure broader diversity within your firm, and the legal sector in general.
A diverse working team will allow you greater creativity, enabling you to be more flexible in your approaches and to be more able to open up new conversations with clients. With a wider viewpoint to offer, you’re more able to respond to the needs of your employees and your clients, adapting to evolving requirements and staying one step ahead at all times.
Keep communication clear and be open about your policies. Make a commitment to develop a true culture of inclusion; take real steps to inspire and motivate others around you. Partnerships and collaborations are key to foster a workplace where everyone feels included, a sense of belonging. These changes should be evident across the whole practise and all business units, and there should conversations with clients too, to ensure inclusivity is at the heart of what you do.
Be responsive
Change happens, and recent years have proven that. Leaders in law need to remain responsive to change, to show understanding of the needs of employees and the real need for a genuine work/life balance.
Who we are outside of law is important too. Recognising and responding to the changing needs of your organisation, your staff and your clients is crucial- and will benefit not only the business as a whole, but the entire legal sector too.