Economy Darkens: Know That You're Expendable

 "I am a firm believer that WFH will not survive the next recession, and people who weaken their personal ties in an organization through WFH may not have the champions they need when law firms inevitably go through a downsizing cycle." - Snippet from a comment on Subreddit Big Law. The question is from a patent attorney about what could be the best positioning in a large law firm. Here is the thread. 

Power can and often does shift abruptly. As the global and US economies sour it's obvious that power in Big Law is returning to the leadership. The need to retain talent has returned to that prestigious niche of brandname partners. They win and settle and handle hihg-value transactions. That grabs media attention. They are also rainmakers. The law firm has to keep them happy.

That isn't true about associates. As the Subreddit thread bluntly indicates: Associates are expendable. 

Therefore, it seems WFH for associates is doomed. Partners and clients prefer associates to RTO. 

Hybrid might not be formally ditched. But it will clear that those wanting to keep their jobs and/or have a shot at a promotion will be in the office full-time, including weekends. That's just career common sense.

Connect with Editor-in-Chief Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com. Conjure up magical results in your communications.

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