Firm Mandates Business Plans for Junior Associates
Morrison Foerster, an Am Law 50 law firm, is requiring its junior associates to devise business development plans as part of a new initiative to help win work. The move marks a significant shift in how the firm approaches client generation, traditionally the domain of partners and senior lawyers.
Details of the New Requirement
According to a memo reviewed by Financial News, the firm instructed its US-based junior associates to submit business development plans by mid-March. The plans should outline strategies for building client relationships and generating new business. The requirement applies to associates in the firm's corporate, litigation, and intellectual property practices.
Morrison Foerster's chairman, Larren Nashelsky, said in the memo: “We are asking our junior lawyers to think entrepreneurially about their practices and the firm's future. This initiative is designed to empower them to take ownership of their careers and contribute to our growth.”
Impact on Junior Lawyers and Firm Culture
The initiative is part of a broader trend among large law firms to encourage earlier business development among associates. Traditionally, associates focus on billable hours and legal work, with business development reserved for more senior lawyers. Critics argue that the new requirement adds pressure on junior lawyers already facing high workloads. However, supporters say it provides valuable experience in client management and firm growth.
Morrison Foerster, which has over 1,000 lawyers globally, reported $1.2 billion in revenue in 2023, according to The American Lawyer. The firm's move could set a precedent for other Am Law 100 firms seeking to boost revenue amid a competitive legal market.
