London law firms are increasing budgets for junior lawyers to entertain clients over lunches and other face-to-face interactions, despite the rise of AI and hybrid working. This initiative aims to build client relationships and confidence among younger legal professionals.
Law firms are investing in traditional client relationship-building methods, such as face-to-face entertainment, as a strategic response to the rise of AI and evolving workplace dynamics, aiming to equip junior lawyers with essential interpersonal skills.
Despite the perceived decline of the traditional long lunch due to hybrid working and changing preferences, London law firms are actively maintaining and even increasing this practice for their junior lawyers. Firms are providing budgets and encouraging face-to-face client interactions to build confidence and relationships among younger professionals.
Eversheds Sutherland, for instance, offers its lawyers a £350 budget specifically for client entertainment. Senior partner Chris Halliday stated that while the firm benefits from AI adoption, it also recognizes the critical need for its next generation of lawyers to engage directly with clients. He believes these skills are best developed through in-person interactions, both alongside senior colleagues and independently.
Mayer Brown London's managing partner Dominic Griffiths highlighted their 'NextGen' initiative, launched eight years ago, which facilitates client events organized by associates and has received positive client feedback. Other firms, including Quinn Emanuel, Winston Taylor, and Baker McKenzie, have confirmed similar policies are in place.
This trend emerges as younger professionals, often termed Gen Z, are sometimes perceived as hesitant to use traditional communication methods like phone calls. However, they are reportedly keen on face-to-face meetings, partly due to concerns about how AI might affect their future roles and the consequent importance of building strong client relationships.