While some law firm leaders are feeling the crunch of making sure they have locked down top first-year associates this time of year, other midsize firm leaders in New Jersey are reporting that they are no longer feeling the typical seasonal rush to acquire younger lawyers.
Although the trend may not be felt evenly across the Garden State's midsize market, some managing partners who spoke with Law.com described wider candidate availability, which means they can be more selective and need-driven in the hiring of first- and second-year talent.
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Tim Corriston, managing partner of Connell Foley, also said it seems fewer first-year attorneys are being hired across the industry. One reason, he said, is firms may be increasingly looking beyond first-year associates and hiring associates who have a few more years of practical experience under their belt.
“Primarily because, the economics between a first-year and a third-year are not significant, yet the experience is,” Corriston said. “A lot of people say, ‘We’re just going to hire folks with experience.’”
Corriston also said the dynamics have led to a shift in how his firm brings on younger talent. Corriston explained his firm continues to hire first-years, but it now places less emphasis on the summer associate program, and more attention on when a need for new talent arises.
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