As we’ve been doing all season, on Conversations with Cohen, we continue to focus on issues managers in law firms deal with on a daily basis. For episode 8, I interviewed Jonathan Friedman of Friedman and Williams. They work heavily with law firms in a support function, including administrative and employee placement. They handle technology, finance, business development, legal assistants, and their newer Grant & Maxie division which strictly focuses on associate attorneys for clients across the nation.

We discussed why law firms have so much difficulty hiring good professionals right now. Jonathan identifies competition as a main issue, as all the firms are competing for the same candidates. The demand for talent and workload is out there, so firms need to make their firms more attractive so new hires will stay. Company culture and career paths are a huge factor for candidates.

Jonathan says that money isn’t the main factor anymore in drawing in candidates. Expectations over how often an employee can work from home is a big topic right now. Firms are looking at how they want to structure their workweek for the long term, whether a hybrid work schedule or back in the office full-time.

We went over different scenarios and how counteroffers work to entice new employees. Firms need to move candidates through the hiring process quickly, be prepared for counter offers and competition that will take place, and act quickly. The hiring market this summer looks different than last summer; it is an employee's market.

If you’re a law firm and you struggle with finding and retaining talented attorneys, Jonathan drops a lot of wisdom on this subject that will be invaluable to you and your hiring department. Forward-thinking and growth is a must to remain competitive in the current market. You can reach out to Jonathan through his LinkedIn or his company website.