A recent report from the American Bar Association has highlighted the vital importance of positive team experiences for the retention of female attorneys.

The study, authored by Sullivan & Cromwell LLP chief talent officer Milana L. Hogan, involved 518 attorneys at all levels, with nearly 89% identifying as female.

Thriving Together: Grit and Growth Mindset in Female Lawyer Teams

Overall, they found that women thrive when working in teams with “grit” and a growth mindset-oriented approach. Their findings emphasize the importance of team dynamics, particularly for female attorneys. The result of such team qualities is higher job satisfaction and, as a result, higher retention rates. This is hardly surprising considering the fact that attorneys spend over 70% of their time working in teams, according to their study.

The question remains. How can law firms promote grit and a growth mindset in their teams? Their study detailed 5 ways to achieve this:

1. Taking advantage of a team member’s interest in a certain topic.

2. Adopting the concept of “deliberate practice” in team meetings.

3. Providing regular constructive feedback to team members

4. Building a culture of shared accountability.

5. Encouraging a positive, supportive environment where team members are comfortable taking risks and making mistakes.

Conclusion

The message is clear. Firms that wish to keep their female lawyers in the long term must prioritize healthy and supportive team dynamics.

At Leffler Search, we strive to help attorneys make career moves that will suit their needs in the short term and advance their career prospects for the long term. If you are looking for a more positive team environment or are simply interested in exploring your options, do not hesitate to reach out via our Contact Us page or directly by email.