Securing talent for a business is always a top concern, but it is even more important if you operate in the legal domain. You sell legal expertise, which is the reason you need only the best people in your team. Moreover, the legal job market in the US is hot right now, and firms are in the middle of a talent war. Attracting the best people for your law firm is no easy feat, and you cannot overlook the need for it if you want to succeed. It becomes even more vital when you need to rebuild business in the new normal.
It is vital to stand apart from the crowd competing for the attention of the best candidates. Lawyers are smarter than ever and can easily differentiate between the best and the rest. A fat paycheck is not the only thing that entices them, so you cannot simply pull and retain the best people with money alone. There is more you will need to focus on, from fine-tuning your recruitment process to showcasing your offerings to employees and building an employer brand. Let us explain in detail.
1. Prioritize flexibility
Flexible work policies are the need of the hour as the pandemic has proved that the days of nine to five workplaces are over. The world had to switch to the remote model, and law firms were not an exception. Even as the new normal is here, remote work will be here for the foreseeable future. Moreover, both recent grads and mid-career professionals prefer to work with firms that take a flexible approach. Pandemic or no pandemic, you need to realign your work policies with the expectations of the job aspirants to get the best onboard.
2. Invest in technology
Like all other industries, legal is going digital. Embracing cutting-edge technology as a part of your operations makes your law firm an enticing employment prospect. The new-age workforce wants to leverage innovative ways to do their jobs better and faster. Additionally, they want to work with organizations that offer the opportunity to learn on the job. Investing in new hardware, software, and web-based resources enables law firms to attract and secure the best talent. Don’t just have the latest tech on board, but highlight the impact in recruitment messaging. Position your firm as tech-forward, and talent will come flowing in.
3. Ramp up recruitment processes
If you are serious about securing the best talent for your business, you cannot rely on the traditional recruitmenlegal recruiterst process. In-house recruiters may take ages to connect with prospects, and they may not be at par with your expectations. Things can get harder if you operate in competitive markets like LA. The best approach is finding legal recruiters in LA as they can connect you with the most qualified job seekers around. Skilled and qualified lawyers often rely on these specialists to find perfect opportunities for career growth. If you get these recruiters in, there are good chances of getting the right fits at the earliest.
4. Offer growth opportunities
The most qualified people prefer to work with firms that offer them the best growth opportunities. It is the key to securing the best talent and retaining them for the long haul. When it comes to getting new recruits, consider highlighting the growth opportunities in interview letters and meetings. But don’t make empty promises because smart people can read through them. Early growth starts with career path coaching and mentorship, so offer them as soon as people join the organization. You can provide access to professional development opportunities because they benefit the candidates and firms alike. Financial growth comes later, but these initiatives will make them stay that long with your firm.
5. Spread the word
When it comes to securing the best human resources for your firm, it is equally vital to spread the word. You need to promote your employer brand to attract the talent you want. Word-of-mouth recommendations from your team are the best way to popularize your brand. Establish a positive work culture that fosters the growth and well-being of the employees. Give them reasons to say good things about the organization because recommendations from employees matter to people who want to join it. Encourage them to post reviews on social media and amplify these reviews to make some more noise on the job landscape.
6. Introduce candidates to the stars
The top-tier professionals in your law firm will probably be the busiest, but you can use their star power to attract more talented people. While you cannot pick these lawyers for mentorship, there are many ways to showcase their presence to potential employees. Highlight them and their success stories on your website and social media. Take them along at the key recruitment events. Let them interview candidates as you hire for the senior roles. The sheer presence of such professionals is enough to entice others to join your firm, so use it to your advantage.
7. Demonstrate purpose beyond cases and success stories
The best people always want to work with the best employers who pay them good money, but they expect much more. A strong purpose and good values can set your law firm apart, specifically for the young brood of mission-driven professionals. Avoid only bragging about your cases, clients, and success stories. Focus on your mission instead. While corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives can elevate your employer brand, you can highlight other good things if you do not have a formalized program in place. Many employees and clients want to collaborate with companies that support social and environmental causes beyond their scope of work. Go the extra mile, and people will notice.
Securing top talent for your law firm can take some effort, but it is worthwhile. The right people in your team can add value to your services and drive success for the organization. They also serve as magnets to attract more talent. Follow these strategic tips and go a step ahead to get the best people and retain them for the long haul.