As firms strive to attract and retain talent in this tight labor market, 2022 has provided a great deal of opportunity to discuss increasing associate salaries and flexible work schedules. Some assume that top-dollar pay, better job titles and flexible work-from-home schedules are the formula for employee loyalty. Those perks may be important, but is that all it takes for career satisfaction?

Apparently not since lawyers routinely cite different reasons for leaving a firm. We leave when we feel uninspired, undervalued; when we are searching for better leadership; better ways to serve our clients; more autonomy, independence or recognition; or when we don’t see a clear path to career advancement.