Millennials have been in the workforce for well over a decade, and Gen Z is close on their tails. As different generations showcase their different strengths and weaknesses, the workforce has taken a turn for the better.

No longer are the archaic notions of the 9 to 5 being implemented. The two newest working generations are taking multiple industries by storm—including the legal field. Here are the pertinent facts on how millennials and Gen Z are changing the legal field:

What are Millennials and Gen Zers?

Although millennials and Gen Z are separated merely by only a few years, the two generations are uniquely different in their own ways. Millennials are people who were born between 1981 and 1996. Gen Zers were born between 1997 and 2009.

Both generations are paving new paths versus their predecessors. No longer is there fear in the workplace—or anywhere for that matter—to speak their minds and ask for change. They are changing the world and how we live in it.

What makes them different from previous generations?

Both generations differ greatly from previous generations. For starters, both Millennials and Gen Z were born with increasingly available technology, with the younger generation becoming masters of tech at very young ages. Therefore, phones and computers were accessible throughout their minor years.

Both generations operate with a more independent mindset than their previous counterparts. Although Millennials prefer team environments more than Gen Zers, both prefer to do things their own way, violating the previous notions that “rules must be followed”. They are no one-trick ponies, which are welcomed in law firms to increase output. They also tend to want more out of their work compared to their parents’ generations.

Younger generations aim to conquer more in life versus showing up to work just to gather the paycheck. Their mindsets aim to revolutionize the way work is viewed and executed—thus creating a whole new company culture.

How are Gen Z and Millennials Changing the Legal Field?

Gen Z and Millennials are hip to the newest trends that make businesses boom. From social media platforms to the overall lingo older generations may not be able to keep up with, it’s their way—which is proving to be effective for business.

Technology

Technology is king, and that is the main method of the Gen Z and Millennial mindset. As everything has gone digital, these generations are spearheading the digital age.

The strategy of optimizing all data into digital formats, client case files, calendars, tracking and billing systems, and communication methods is proven to increase productivity and efficiency in law firms.

Mobility

Newer generations implement new-age mobility. This greatly helps their clients as they can always be reached; therefore, more trust and credibility is built for the law firm.  

Gen Z and Millennials are prone to getting the job done—no matter when or where. This greatly increases motivation and profitability for law firms as they can always be reached to conduct business.

Purpose-driven

Perhaps more so than earlier generations, Gen Z and Millennials yearn for purpose. This concept also crosses over into their daily work lives.

Purpose-driven is their main mission to live a life well lived. When a commitment is made, you can be sure these generations will commit every part of their being to embracing the mission. Their steps are expertly curated for their own greater purpose. In terms of your law firm, they can move mountains and get the impossible done.

Innovative

Innovation is the key word in younger generations. They are consistently looking for new and innovative ways to benefit their work environment. Consistently seeking solutions, these workers are ready to improve the old-age ways.  

According to a Deloitte survey, 78% of Millennials believe that innovation is “essential for business growth”. Therefore, they are always on the hunt to increase visibility and get new clients—the perfect remedy for a lawyer’s success.

Work/life balance

Even before the pandemic, younger generations employ the idea of the work/life balance. Gone are the days when people slaved over their desks all day with no payout beyond the paycheck.

Millennials and Gen Zers enjoy both their work lives and personal lives. They do not bleed into one another as their values place importance on both, not one or the other. These notions greatly increase motivation at work as progress in the workplace equals higher self-esteem and achievements that transcend into their personal lives.

Bottom Line

Younger generations are quickly increasing visibility, innovative ideas, and production in law firms. Older generations can take a lesson on applying a work/life balance in addition to finding value in the work they produce.  

Technology is the key asset these generations use to grow their client bases and law firms. Always ready to conduct business and seek solutions, these age groups are the perfect fit for the cumulative growth and success of your law firm.

And, above all, Millennials and Gen Z are open to new ideas, like finding solutions to problems like paying for case costs out of pocket. LevelEsq offers Level Case Financing to fund case costs with a line of credit available for each case at a net cost of less than 1%.

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