Gen-Z Lawyers Could Not Care Less About Working In Biglaw

A new generation with a new attitude about Biglaw.

Twitter HR after being expected to do their jobs.

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Each category related to law firms saw a drop in interest from existing lawyers and clerks, whereas the desire to go in-house rose significantly to 14% and the interest to go into government stayed consistent at around 16%. This data set shows that once practicing at a firm, many clerks and associates are interested in practicing law in a different, non-law-firm environment.

Based on survey responses, Gen-Zers’ long-term career objectives are veering away from traditional law firm paths.

— Excerpts from a new report on Gen-Z lawyer preferences from Major, Lindsey & Africa, which noted that only 39% of law students who said they wanted to work at a law firm after graduation wanted to pursue Biglaw careers, which was about a 20% drop since 2020. On top of that, just 23% of Gen-Zers said their long-term career goal was to make partner at a law firm. Gen-Z lawyers who already work in Biglaw said more money and more opportunities for advancement would keep them in their jobs.


Staci ZaretskyStaci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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