Have you seen that viral article making the rounds? The one about Gen Z employees getting the boot left and right? It's a little alarming and got me thinking. If our educational systems aren’t fully preparing the next generation of legal professionals, what does that mean for us? Should we just throw our hands up and hope the next crop of graduates can magically keep up with the fast pace of a law firm?
Of course not. That would be like expecting a fresh intern to draft a perfect motion on day one. (Spoiler alert: They won’t.)
The Real Issue: Training and Retention
The truth is, the way we onboard and train our new legal professionals plays a massive role in whether they stick around long enough to make an impact. And I’m looking at you, Gen Z, with all your digital fluency and thirst for purpose-driven work.
But here's the catch: Hiring and training new staff isn’t cheap. It’s resource-consuming, too. So, what’s the solution? Are we doomed to sit beside every new paralegal, walking them through every single process like we’ve got time to spare?
Absolutely not! We have better options.
Creating Sustainable Systems for Training
If we’re serious about building legacy firms that last beyond a partner’s name on the door, we must be smart about how we onboard and train new staff. We need systems that empower them to thrive, grow, and contribute — without needing their hand held every step of the way.
And guess what? This is where the magic of Microsoft 365 comes in.
Think about it: Every law firm is unique, with different ways of handling cases, clients, and teams. But what if we could create unified, collaborative spaces that not only provide resources but also foster an environment where our new hires can learn quickly, collaborate easily, and find the information they need — all without asking a million questions?
If we build it, will they stay?
Build with Microsoft 365: The Foundation for Growth
The answer is a resounding YES. The future of legal work isn't about micromanaging the next generation; it's about empowering them with the right tools, systems, and resources to succeed.
With Microsoft 365, we can:
Create a central hub for collaboration (hello, SharePoint and Teams!).
Automate repetitive tasks and make workflows efficient with Power Automate.
Share and manage documents securely with OneDrive and SharePoint.
Provide ongoing training with easily accessible resources using Microsoft Stream and Lists.
By building these systems, we create a space where our Gen Z legal professionals — with their knack for technology and desire for meaningful work — can flourish. We’re not just creating a firm that trains the next generation; we’re building a firm that evolves with them.
Legacy Firms That Last
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to train someone for the short term. The goal is to build firms that last — firms that not only attract top talent but retain them because we’re offering something that goes beyond the paycheck: empowerment, growth, and purpose.
The question is no longer, "If we build it, will they stay?" The real question is: "Why aren’t we building it yet?"
Ready to Build Your Firm's Legacy?
If this resonates with you, I invite you to join my upcoming workshop where we’ll dive into creating these sustainable systems using Microsoft 365. Let’s work together to build firms that don’t just survive but thrive in today’s evolving legal landscape.
Click here to register for the SharePoint Intranet workshop, and let’s get building! This two week workshop starts Nov. 5. Don't miss it! Limited (virtual) seating available.
Misty Murray
Owner | CEO
Arrow Consultants, LLC
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