While law firms have been criticized for often demonstrating a “follow the leader” mentality, the recent divergence on layoffs, associate bonuses and lateral hiring suggest the legal industry may finally be breaking away from its herd mentality.

Experts say an increase in the fierceness of competition for talent, a more thoughtful approach to how firm business is conducted and, of course, the pandemic, have all combined to create an atmosphere where it is now more acceptable to go against the grain of legal trends, to stop, as it were, trying to keep up with the Joneses. 

Marcie Borgal Shunk Marcie Borgal Shunk.