There’s a growing debate in the legal world about Gen Z lawyers and their approach to work. Some senior professionals argue that this generation requires too much hand-holding, while others believe they are simply advocating for a more balanced and sustainable way of working.
It all started when top US firm Gibson Dunn made headlines by suggesting that junior lawyers from Gen Z need more ‘hand holding’. This sparked a wave of reactions—some dismissed them as entitled, while others pointed out that their expectations of a structured, balanced work life aren’t unreasonable.
So, what’s really going on here?
Are Gen Z Lawyers Just “Lazy” or Do They Have a Point?
The traditional legal profession has long been associated with gruelling hours and a “work until you drop” mentality. Many senior lawyers see this as a rite of passage—after all, they went through it themselves. But Gen Z lawyers are challenging this norm, questioning whether it’s necessary to sacrifice work-life balance for career success.
Many of them aren’t just motivated by money. Yes, the salaries in Big Law are staggering, but for many young lawyers, financial incentives aren’t enough to justify a 24/7 work culture. They value meaningful work, clear boundaries, and mental well-being just as much as career progression. The expectation of a more structured 9-6 workday isn’t necessarily a sign of entitlement—it’s a reflection of shifting workplace values.
Accutrainee’s Perspective: A New Generation, A New Approach
At Accutrainee, we’ve worked with countless trainee and newly qualified lawyers, and one thing is clear: Gen Z is not afraid to ask for what they want. They are ambitious, hardworking, and eager to learn, but they also believe in working smarter, not just harder.
Our model allows junior legal professionals to gain experience across different firms and in-house teams, giving them a broader perspective on the profession. We’ve seen first-hand that when young lawyers are given proper support and the right environment, they thrive—and that doesn’t always mean endless late nights in the office.
What Do Junior Lawyers Really Want? We’re About to Find Out
To move past assumptions and get real answers, Accutrainee is launching ‘The Great Candidate Survey’—a deep dive into what today’s junior lawyers actually want from their careers. We’re gathering insights on everything from salary expectations to workplace culture, and we believe the results will challenge some long-held beliefs among senior legal professionals.
If you’re a law firm leader wondering how to attract and retain top junior talent, this is the kind of insight you won’t want to miss.
The Future of Law: Evolution, Not Revolution
The legal profession is changing. Whether you see Gen Z’s approach as a challenge or an opportunity, one thing is certain: it’s here to stay. Rather than dismissing their expectations, law firms should consider what they can learn from this generation’s fresh perspective.
At Accutrainee, we believe that understanding and supporting the next wave of legal professionals isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for the future of the industry.
What do you think? Is Gen Z shaking things up for the better, or do they need to toughen up? Let’s keep the conversation going.
