header-logo header-logo

Law firms: ethics v profit

16 February 2024 / Author(s): Dana Denis-Smith
Issue: 8059 / Categories: Career Clinic
printer mail-details
158737
Junior lawyers are the partners of the future. Firms need to listen to their ethical concerns, argues Dana Denis-Smith

Profits per equity partner has for a long time been the definitive measure of law firm success, but that is changing, with a growing realisation that there are other ways to measure success. Law firms and their clients are increasingly focused on ESG (environmental, social and governance) issues, and junior lawyers in particular are putting pressure on the profession to shift to a business model that prioritises sustainability over profitability.

My organisation Obelisk Support’s latest report, ‘World in motion: why the legal profession cannot stand still’, found that nearly three-quarters of junior lawyers agreed that they would not join an organisation whose values did not match with their own, even if they were offering more money. An even higher proportion said they were looking to effect positive change in society through their work as lawyers.

Nearly two-thirds of junior lawyers wanted the right to refuse to work on certain matters

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in

Job of the Week

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Muckle LLP—Rachael Chapman

Muckle LLP—Rachael Chapman

Sports, education and charities practice welcomes senior associate

Freeths—Louise Mahon

Freeths—Louise Mahon

Firm strengthens Glasgow corporate practice with partner hire

Ellisons—Carla Jones

Ellisons—Carla Jones

Partner and head of commercial litigation joins in Chelmsford

Quinn Emanuel—James McSweeney

Quinn Emanuel—James McSweeney

London promotion underscores firm’s investment in white collar and investigations

Ward Hadaway—Louise Miller

Ward Hadaway—Louise Miller

Private client team strengthened by partner appointment

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal, reflects on chasing her childhood dreams underscores the importance of welcoming those from all backgrounds into the profession

back-to-top-scroll