Rebekah Kcehowski, Jones Day Partner-in-Charge in Pittsburgh, PA. Courtesy photo Rebekah Kcehowski, Jones Day Partner-in-Charge in Pittsburgh, PA. Courtesy photo

Rebekah Kcehowski, partner-in-charge, Pittsburgh office

What's one of the biggest challenges law firms face today?

Times of economic uncertainty can be both a challenge and an opportunity for law firms. And, in times of economic uncertainty, it is important not to let short-term uncertainties overrun long-term opportunities. So, today, for firms looking out to the remainder of 2023, we should be certain to prioritize long-term strategy and look for ways to build for the future, develop and retain our junior talent, and invest in training and mentoring as we continue to adapt to the new normal created by the pandemic, the economy, and remote work. We should not overlook the importance of letting our newer talent know how much we value them and appreciate their efforts and then offer them professional experiences that are meaningful and help them grow as practitioners. Acknowledge their accomplishments. Talk about areas of growth and development. Help them shine. We should also cultivate our workplace cultures and promote each other as lawyers and colleagues, finding new opportunities for each other, building teamwork, and staying focused to success. At the end of the day, even in times of uncertainty, we can't lose sight of opportunities to support and promote each other as lawyers and colleagues, professionally in practice or otherwise.

Conversely, name one opportunity available to law firms in the current climate.