(Editor's note: This is the third of a four-part series looking at how actions firms have taken during the pandemic are negatively impacting younger lawyers, the causes and consequences of those actions, and what firms can do to protect their young talent and their futures.) 

Firms love to talk about "culture" when it comes to distinguishing themselves, but while it can be key to attracting lateral partners, it can also be a critical factor in limiting associate development. That's particularly true when firms are adopting special measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of which have hit associates hard.