Big Law might have a problem. Evidently, Gen-Z—that group of people born in the 1990s and early 2000s—aren't charmed by, or even attracted to, life at a top law firm. They're much less interested in following the traditional law firm path than generations that preceded them. 

A recent report attributed the shift to Gen-Z's desire for a better work-life balance and finding work that aligns with their values—conditions that Big Law has a hard time meeting. Perhaps, as the authors of the report suggest, this group, many who came of age during the pandemic, realized there were alternatives to embracing the traditional work-life model. Perhaps they have been influenced by the political climate of divisiveness both at home and across the globe, and want to do what they consider "meaningful" work that might help the world. Whatever the cause, it shouldn't come as a great surprise, especially to people who have children who are now in that age group and have recently joined, or are about to join, the workforce. Their idealism is palpable.