The onset of COVID-19 reorganized the way law firms operate, triggering a wave of closures, furloughs and salary cuts, even among some titans of the bar. Norms established by century-old firms are being reevaluated, and we now have the opportunity to rebuild, from the ground up, better systems and practices not only in our own lives, but in the structure and operations of our firms.

Legal recruiting has been turned upside-down. Firms are working fully remotely, summer programs were delayed, shortened and eliminated, and the traditional hiring season for future summer associates has been altered. And while the long-standing firms continue to adjust their programs, young firms like mine are finding a new appreciation for the nimble approach that comes when firm culture is still formative, when law firm management is encouraged and supported in developing fresh talent, and when technology is state-of-the-art.