Summary
- The NALP Foundation's 2025 Update on Associate Attrition reveals a record 83% of associates left within five years, highlighting a trend that many Biglaw firms accept as business as usual.
- Overall attrition rates decreased slightly to 19%, but smaller firms faced a higher rate of 24%, indicating a stark contrast in retention capabilities.
- Notably, 47% of departures were classified as “unwanted,” with over a quarter marked as “desired,” raising concerns about diversity and retention practices.
- As firms increasingly rely on lateral hires over entry-level associates, the implications for associate training and diversity in hiring are becoming critical issues to address.
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