The business of law is built on the talent of its professionals. As we (hopefully) emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, law firms are being challenged to protect this core asset. Like increased lawyer mobility of the '90s and during the 2007-09 financial crisis, law as a business must find a new way to keep and retain talented young lawyers.

Prior to 1990, the business of law functioned much as it had throughout history. Young lawyers were recruited out of law school, came to a firm, worked hard to hopefully be promoted into the partnership ranks, then continued as an owner in the business until a client opportunity or public service (the bench or elected office) took them into the later years of their career. Absent a change in geography, movement among legal professionals was unusual and carried the risk of being labeled a firm hopper.