ABA book advises firms on motivating and retaining millennial lawyers

With millennials set to become almost half of the U.S. workforce by 2020, it is imperative that law firms understand and adapt to a new generational mindset. A new ABA book, “The Millennial Lawyer: How Your Firm Can Motivate and Retain Young Associates,” offers valuable insight from former lawyer and millennial J.P. Box, Jr. on what made him leave the profession, and how to keep other millennials from following that pattern.

By examining his own experiences with the generational divide, Box not only notes what went wrong, but shows how firms can recruit and retain top talent. Using extensive research, he identifies the most commonly held millennial values, including the:

• Ability to blend work and life together

• Allure of flat hierarchies

• Desire to make immediate contributions

• Critical role of mentorship

• Value and importance of collaboration

• Strong preference for great experiences over high pay

• Belief in doing well by doing good.

“The Millennial Lawyer” guides law firms on how to incorporate these values into their culture to form an environment where baby boomers, Gen Xers and millennials can blend harmoniously, strengthening the talents and productivity of all and boosting retention rates.