Gen Z lawyers (born between 1997 to 2012) are entering the workforce in droves, bringing with them a barrage of ideals and questions that challenge many foundational beliefs within the legal industry’s apprenticeship model and traditional law firm culture. “Why?” they ask, with the persistence of a seasoned litigator but without any context.
For Gen Z lawyers, pushing back on “the way things are done around here” is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s a strength. Ask any industry expert; we’ve been saying for decades that so much needs to change about how things are done in the legal profession, and Gen Z isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. On the other hand, it’s an obstacle as they often appear unwilling to compromise in a rush to push for massive institutional changes. Gen Z lawyers may miss out on valuable learning opportunities without such compromise.
