The Future Law Firm: Three Leaders Weigh In on the Battle for Legal Talent and the State of DEI

Talent is the foundation of every successful firm, so it’s no surprise that recruiting—and retaining—the best lawyers is a big priority. BRG’s Rodolfo (Rudy) Pittaluga asked C-suite veterans from AmLaw 100 firms how the battle for talent is shaping up and the role diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could play. 

Plenty of ink has been spilled on the “Great Resignation” and the difficulties many employers faced as they attempted to recruit and retain top talent, not to mention the increasing importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The legal industry is no exception: in 2021, AmLaw 100 firms saw record high associate turnover and attrition rates alongside an explosion of new DEI initiatives.

Though hiring has bounced back, direct expenses have shot up. Add in widespread economic uncertainty and a continued spotlight on DEI, and it’s clear that law firm leaders still have a long road ahead when it comes to finding and keeping the best talent.

Having worked with several AmLaw 100 firms over the course of my career, I know how important it is to absorb lessons learned during crises to help pave the way for the challenges ahead. That’s why I turned to three experienced leaders of AmLaw 100 law firms for their insights: Wally Martinez, a managing partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth; Yvette Ostolaza, chair of Sidley Austin’s Management Committee and an Executive Committee member; and Miguel A. Zaldivar Jr., chief executive officer at Hogan Lovells.

This is the second article in a series of two Q&As on the future law firm. The first piece, As the Dust Settles: Three Leaders Weigh In on the Future of Law Firm Work Models, discussed changing working models.