Pearls On, Gloves Off #83 - Recruiting Gen Z Lawyers in a Broken System
Dec 9, 2025
Genevieve Riccardelli and Jennifer Soltau, legal recruiters at Goodwin, discuss the evolving landscape of law-firm hiring. They reveal that traditional recruiting practices are fracturing, with firms locking in talent years ahead of actual needs. A growing number of Gen Z candidates prioritize in-house roles and diverse career paths, reshaping firm expectations. The guests emphasize the necessity for firms to engage with candidates and design programs that align with their desires, plus the increasing importance of tech fluency in future hires.
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Recruiting Misaligned With Today's Pace
- Law students enter the most uncertain legal talent market we've ever seen and want different things than prior generations.
- Recruiting still hires them years before firms know what skills or headcount they'll need.
Hands No Longer Go Up For Partnership
- Mary described a partner asking summers who wants to be partner and getting no raised hands this year.
- That illustrated declining ambition to stay long-term at the same firm among younger lawyers.
Firm As A Launchpad Not A Lifetime Plan
- Gen Z prioritizes authenticity, transparency, and career fluidity over long-term firm loyalty.
- Many view law firms as training grounds and plan to move in-house or elsewhere after gaining experience.