Recruitment During the Pandemic

Has recruitment been more difficult during the pandemic, and how have
you adapted your strategies to meet changing requests/preferences?

“With the current hiring market being so active, we have been able to recruit partners and associates across our national footprint. At Goldberg Segalla, we have always had a very friendly and flexible culture, and, during this constantly changing COVID-19 environment, we continue to adapt and meet the needs of our attorneys and staff to help make their lives as easy as possible.” -Joseph M. Hanna, Partner, Goldberg Segalla. CLM Member since 2013.

“Attracting laterals and associates has changed/evolved during the pandemic as potential recruits place an increasingly high premium on workplace flexibility. As dictated by individual circumstances, Wilson Elser has historically been receptive to flexible work arrangements and continues to explore creative ways to ensure our attorneys’ personal safety and well-being.” -Susan A. Schwartz, Attorney at Law, Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP. CLM Member since 2009.

“As a constantly growing law firm, we are always looking to recruit. The pandemic created new challenges, and we continue to adapt. We have particularly leaned into our flexible work-from-home capabilities to attract and retain new talent up and down the firm. It is among the number one drivers to attract new talent in this market.” -Stewart Reid, Firmwide Managing Partner, Wood Smith Henning & Berman. CLM Member since 2009.

“As claim volumes recover, the industry has needed to respond in a tight market for adjusting talent. At Gallagher Bassett, we proactively made significant investments in recruiting capabilities and team experience to attract top talent. We lean on what makes GB special—our exceptional culture and progressive remote work options.” -Ajay Sinha, Executive Vice President, U.S. Claims Operation, Gallagher Bassett. CLM Fellow since 2013.

25%

Twenty-five percent more workers may need to switch occupations compared to before the pandemic due to changing occupation trends.

Source: McKinsey

70%

Percent of talent acquisition professionals who say a combination of virtual and in-person processes during hiring will become increasingly standard.

Source: SHRM

5.2%

The U.S. unemployment rate as of August, a 17-month low.

Source: U.S. Labor Department

74,000

August’s monthly gain in professional and business services jobs, the sector that saw the largest increase. Financial activities saw a gain of 16,000 jobs. Retail trade, meanwhile, lost 28,500 jobs in August compared to July.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics