IBA survey seeks to bridge generation gap
A new international research project aims to bridge the gap between young legal professionals and older lawyers established in their careers.
Launched by the International Bar Association’s (IBA) Young Lawyers’ Committee and Legal Policy & Research Unit, as part of the initiative a survey has been opened to gain insight into the priorities and concerns of young lawyers across the globe. Determining the factors that affect young lawyers’ decisions to move workplaces is a crucial part of the research project.
Available in English and Spanish, the Young Lawyers Survey is anonymous and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Developed in collaboration with consultancy firm Acritas (part of Thomson Reuters), it is open to all legal professionals aged 40 or under.
Approximately 80% of the questions are multiple choice, and all the questions relate to issues affecting young lawyers, including factors influencing a decision to move workplaces, impacts on career progression, and the effect of technology and artificial intelligence in the workplace. Workplace bullying, sexual harassment and mental health are covered, as part of the IBA’s continued commitment to addressing these issues in the legal profession. Those taking part are also invited to share their experiences concerning the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
IBA President Horacio Bernardes Neto commented: "Young lawyers are the future leaders of our profession. It is vital that we attract and retain talented individuals to contribute to the advancement, reform and championing of the law. Young lawyers’ experiences in the early years of their careers undoubtedly play a role in their future, not only in the workplace but in the sector they choose, and the legal profession as a whole.
"Reflection is a key part of any development process, and the data gathered by this survey will give us a greater understanding of how, as a profession, we can drive forward positive change. I urge all those who are eligible to participate in the survey to do so, and to encourage friends, family and colleagues to join them."