What motivates female lawyers to move?
Over the past few months we have been bombarded with information regarding law firm financials. PEP, NQ salary wars, sign on bonuses etc. It feels like this goes against the grain when a few months before that we were focusing on mental health/trying to ensure lawyers weren’t overworked but that’s another blog!
It got me thinking about what really motivates people. Is it just money? Does that really push people to move firms? Working with female lawyers over the years has shown me money is definitely not the motivating factor when making a move. Yes, of course it’s important but it is not the driving factor. So what is?
3 things female lawyers look for in a career move
Strong female leadership
Female lawyers want to see strong female leadership in a firm. They want to look at the higher echelons and see that not only do women have a seat at the table but also a voice. This is a critical factor for any female lawyer looking to make a move. How can a firm say that it takes gender diversity seriously if it lacks female leaders?
The right culture
Culture is incredibly important to women when considering a move. They want to understand the DNA and get under the skin of a firm.
What is it like to be a fee earner in the firm?
Where does the firm stand on important issues such as diversity?
Why have partners left, particularly female partners?
What is the gender mix?
What are the retention rates?
Tying into the above, is it a firm where female lawyers can thrive?
Is it a cut-throat culture?
Firms are liberal with the term ‘collegiality’ – but can they prove it?
This all feeds into the culture of a firm and is crucial for women to really understand it and feel comfortable with it before making a move.
Role Models
This is so important especially for more junior female lawyers. They want to join a firm where they can see themselves progressing. They want to ‘look up the ladder’ and see a version of themselves in a few years.
They want to have positive role models who will actively take an interest in their career. This doesn’t necessarily have to be another woman or indeed someone in the same department. But it is important for potential lateral hires to see there will be lawyers to mentor/coach/ sponsor them throughout their careers. Strong role models are very important and are key to persuading a lateral to join.
It's not all about the money!