“I don’t really like my job. I might quit this year and do something else.” Does this attitude sound familiar? ALB heard it from a 25-year-old third-year solicitor at a top-tier firm.

This Gen Y junior associate graduated from law school with flying colours and was snapped up by one of the Big Six, earning success and a good income. So why throw away such a coveted position? “I don’t know,” the solicitor says. “It’s kind of boring. Maybe there’s something better.”

Gareth Bennett, director of people and development at another firm, Freehills, says the current crop of talent has forced firms to rethink the employee/employer relationship.

“[Gen Y] probably are treated a little differently just because they have access to a lot more information,” he says. “Their knowledge of the market is a lot more widespread, complete and instantaneous. We have to ensure that we can keep up with that.”

The old ‘paternal’ employment relationship is no longer workable, Bennett adds. “These days, it’s very much a meeting of equals, and I think that’s a good thing. People want to be stimulated and they’ll only stay with you providing they see their development is proceeding apace.”

The young solicitor, who doesn’t want to be named, claims that the Gen Y attrition rate at major firms “is ridiculous”. “Everyone gets their two-year PQE [post-qualification experience] and then they leave,” the lawyer says. “What’s more, the firm doesn’t care. We are fodder.”

Bennett agrees that many young lawyers decide to move on after a few years, but he has a different take on how law firms view these employees.

“We recognise that they are going to want to travel to enhance their CV and to gain life experiences,” he says. “I’m not going to tell them that isn’t in their best interests.” Rather, Freehills takes a flexible approach, Bennett says, opening doors internationally, staying in touch through alumni events and hoping to continue the relationship further down the track.

“Who are we to say that if they work with, say, Freshfields for three years in the UK rather than stay with Freehills, their development isn’t enhanced?” Bennett asks. “We have to take a much broader view as to their development and progression.”