As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on 2024 with curiosity to see where the legal industry has taken us.  It’s safe to say we saw a busy year marked by business operational growth, increasing attention on innovation, and a renewed focus on building strong cultures. These are some of the areas that stand out for me: Strategic Business Operations Growth: The indus...

As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on 2024 with curiosity to see where the legal industry has taken us.  It’s safe t...

The recent 21st Advanced eDiscovery Institute focused on the complex and rapidly emerging eDiscovery industry, exploring case law trends, the role of generative AI in eDiscovery, and much more. This event brought together eDiscovery experts, attorneys, and legal enthusiasts. Notable keynote speakers included Alison Grounds of Troutman Pepper, Phil Saunders of Relativity, Andy Macdonald of Consilio...

The recent 21st Advanced eDiscovery Institute focused on the complex and rapidly emerging eDiscovery industry, exploring case law trends, the role of ...

The interview process poses challenges for both candidates and companies. Candidates struggle with vague job details and company culture, leading to potential mismatches. Stressful interviews may not showcase true skills, and standard methods could ignore unique abilities. Discrimination and lacking feedback also impede growth. For companies, stiff interview formats may miss exceptional candida...

The interview process poses challenges for both candidates and companies. Candidates struggle with vague job details and company culture, leading to p...

Are you a Business Development Specialist or Sr. Coordinator striving for a promotion to Manager? As a legal marketing recruiter, I get to see how people successfully move between roles by taking initiative and showcasing their drive.  If you are looking to make a move from a Specialist to Manager, here are some tips for getting noticed: - Develop trusting relationships with people acro...

Are you a Business Development Specialist or Sr. Coordinator striving for a promotion to Manager? As a legal marketing recruiter, I get to see how peo...

Attending the Thomson Reuters Annual Law Firm COO & CFO Forum was energizing thanks to the fantastic programming. One of the topics discussed was Intergenerational Dynamics in the Legal Workforce. This got me thinking deeper about how law firm leaders communicate across different generations.  There are both challenges and benefits to a multi-generation workforce in law firms. The b...

Attending the Thomson Reuters Annual Law Firm COO & CFO Forum was energizing thanks to the fantastic programming. One of the topics discussed w...

A collaboration between ProSearch, the Cowen Group, and professionals from Fortune 500 companies has produced a guide designed to build future-ready teams within the legal industry. The white paper "Metaskills for the Future-Ready Team" addresses the critical metaskills for a rapidly changing world. This research paper—authored by business-of-law professionals in eDiscovery, le...

A collaboration between ProSearch, the Cowen Group, and professionals from Fortune 500 companies has produced a guide designed to build future-rea...

There is an increase in c-suite hiring across law firms this year, and Chief Operating Officer (COO) moves seem to be in the spotlight. Here are a few trends I am seeing in the market: Demand for Proven Experience: While law firms often talk about seeking C-Suite perspectives from outside the industry, there's still a strong preference for candidates with proven track records in demanding l...

There is an increase in c-suite hiring across law firms this year, and Chief Operating Officer (COO) moves seem to be in the spotlight. Here are a few...

Law firm Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) are stepping into the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). We may see more of this as long-time COOs retire and law firm leaders search for new talent.   How can CMOs position themselves for this opportunity?   Understand the Business of Law: Knowing and demonstrating that you know the business behind a successful law firm is critica...

Law firm Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) are stepping into the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). We may see more of this as long-time COOs retire...

  Law firms spend a lot of time and resources to attract and retain top legal talent. To make lateral partners happily stay around for the long run, it’s critical to understand what they really want from their firms.  Here are some thoughts on what keeps the best legal minds committed over time: Competitive Compensation and Benefits: It’s not all about the money, but...

  Law firms spend a lot of time and resources to attract and retain top legal talent. To make lateral partners happily stay around for the lon...

Is there a new trend emerging at the CMO level in big law? Just this year, we have seen Gibson Dunn and Sidley Austin implement a Co-CMO structure.   In my opinion, there are compelling benefits to taking this approach:   Retaining Talent: Firms might embrace the Co-CMO model to keep two highly qualified professionals who are capable of leading marketing and business developm...

Is there a new trend emerging at the CMO level in big law? Just this year, we have seen Gibson Dunn and Sidley Austin implement a Co-CMO structure. ...

  In the ever-evolving field of eDiscovery, a convergence of legal knowledge, technical prowess, and project management skills opens the door to a wealth of specialized career opportunities. The eDiscovery process, from identification to presentation, offers a rich tapestry of roles for professionals poised at the intersection of law and technology. At Celeritas, we specialize in workin...

  In the ever-evolving field of eDiscovery, a convergence of legal knowledge, technical prowess, and project management skills opens the door ...

With few law firm websites reflecting professional bios for their business services team members, often the only official record of your professional journey is a resume.    The truth is… resumes are seen by relatively few people over the course of a career.    Even if a job change isn’t in today’s plan, maintaining a strong LinkedIn profile is a ...

With few law firm websites reflecting professional bios for their business services team members, often the only official record of your professional ...

Lawyers, consultants, and legal service providers unexpectedly have a vital but often overlooked aspect in common—business development.   This critical aspect transcends the traditional boundaries of simply networking or relationship management. It embodies a profound understanding of the market dynamics, a proactive approach to client needs, and an adeptness at navigating the com...

Lawyers, consultants, and legal service providers unexpectedly have a vital but often overlooked aspect in common—business development.  ...

Thank you, Ari Kaplan, for discussing talent acquisition challenges in the current market and the impact of FTC's ruling on noncompete agreements with James Bickley and Chris Egan.    Listen here: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-3zh3f-1649aa3?utm_campaign=embed_player_share&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=embed_player   Listen on Apple Podcasts: https...

Thank you, Ari Kaplan, for discussing talent acquisition challenges in the current market and the impact of FTC's ruling on noncompete agreements ...

In today's competitive legal market, personalized relationships and innovative marketing are key to standing out. Check out an insightful article by Jay Harrington on the Barbell Strategy for legal marketing. It stresses the significance of tailored relationships with high-value clients and creative marketing approaches to shine in a crowded space.   The strategy, though rooted in f...

In today's competitive legal market, personalized relationships and innovative marketing are key to standing out. Check out an insightful article ...

Are law firms ready for tomorrow's C-suite?    The C-suite of the future is all about innovation, agility, and driving transformation. But are law firms positioned to work with these visionary leaders?   Many firms get stuck in their old ways, resistant to much-needed change and technologies. Billable hours, hierarchical structures, and an aversion to risk hold them ...

Are law firms ready for tomorrow's C-suite?    The C-suite of the future is all about innovation, agility, and driving transformat...

In recent years, I’m seeing more Marketing & Business Development Directors get promoted to C-level.   When a CMO/CBDO steps away from their role in a firm, they sometimes leave behind a strong “right hand” at the Director level. In many cases, these professionals have been working closely with the C-Suite and already demonstrate their ability to develop and execut...

In recent years, I’m seeing more Marketing & Business Development Directors get promoted to C-level.   When a CMO/CBDO steps away...

From Tech to People: AI's Reshaping of the Legal Landscape at the Intersection of Technology and Law  The legal industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by rapid technological advancements and the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI). The convergence of technology and law has revolutionized legal professionals' operations and ushered in a new...

From Tech to People: AI's Reshaping of the Legal Landscape at the Intersection of Technology and Law  The legal industry has undergone a s...

Yesterday (April 23rd, 2024), the Federal Trade Commission issued a final rule to promote competition by banning noncompete clauses nationwide. This move allows workers to switch jobs, foster innovation, and encourage new business formation.   The FTC's ban on noncompete clauses will significantly impact sales professionals in legal tech and services. It promises to enhance career m...

Yesterday (April 23rd, 2024), the Federal Trade Commission issued a final rule to promote competition by banning noncompete clauses nationwide. This m...

Effective leadership. It’s a major factor in finding success. Especially for business operations professionals in the legal industry.    Law firms are increasingly tuned into leadership skills for building culture and delivering excellent client services.    If you are looking to up your leadership game, here are some thoughts: Embrace a clear vision tha...

Effective leadership. It’s a major factor in finding success. Especially for business operations professionals in the legal industry.  &...

Practice management roles in law firms are becoming increasingly important. Responsible for the daily execution of a practice group’s business needs and operations, these positions are multifaceted and fast paced. Careers in practice management provide opportunities to impact the daily operational needs, financial performance, and productivity of practices. It’s likely no surpris...

Practice management roles in law firms are becoming increasingly important. Responsible for the daily execution of a practice group’s business n...

As a recruiter in the legal industry, I get to watch careers bloom. So much happens as professionals move through the ranks.  Curating a path through legal marketing demands both patience and hard work. While guiding professionals along their career path, I am privy to important commonalities amongst successful individuals.  If you are climbing the proverbial career ladder, here ar...

As a recruiter in the legal industry, I get to watch careers bloom. So much happens as professionals move through the ranks.  Curating a path ...

In recent years, I have seen more Directors of Marketing & Business Development make the leap to Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer. Either by promotion or moving to another firm. If you are a Director and have your sights set on attaining C-level, here are some tips to achieve your goal: Gain exposure to multiple practice areas and industry sectors so that you underst...

In recent years, I have seen more Directors of Marketing & Business Development make the leap to Chief Marketing & Business Development Office...

Several law firm leaders have considered the idea of hiring sales professionals, but don’t know where to start. I’ve also seen more than a few firms on-board their first sales hire, only to have them fail within a year or two. So, what’s the secret? For starters, firm leadership needs to agree on building a sales function and clearly understand the value a sales professiona...

Several law firm leaders have considered the idea of hiring sales professionals, but don’t know where to start. I’ve also seen more than a...

Should law firms make a clearer distinction between business development and marketing? Marketing and business development are often linked together as one function in law firms. But as any professional in these spaces will attest: they are most definitely not the same. In most law firms the Chief Marketing Officer leads both, but should law firms hire chiefs to oversee each function separately...

Should law firms make a clearer distinction between business development and marketing? Marketing and business development are often linked togethe...

Law firm CMOs are evolving. These driven professionals have an historically deep responsibility for building marketing teams, sparking opportunities, leading initiatives, and deepening firm culture. At the same time, CMOs must also navigate rapid changes in business and legal landscapes, make sure their firms keep pace with client expectations, engage with moving targets, see around the corners fo...

Law firm CMOs are evolving. These driven professionals have an historically deep responsibility for building marketing teams, sparking opportunities, ...

Investments in AI Fueling Growth and New Job Opportunities across the Legal Market The business of law is actively being transformed by artificial intelligence. Every week there are new headlines about law firms, software and service providers and consulting firms supporting the legal industry making new investments and expanding their AI offerings. Among the latest: E-di...

Investments in AI Fueling Growth and New Job Opportunities across the Legal Market The business of law is actively being transformed by artificia...

For more than a decade, Celeritas Recruiting has represented the leading organizations and professionals at the intersection of law and technology. To support our continued growth, we’ve been expanding our firm over the past two years and recently introduced you to our newest team member, James Bickley. In this post, we invite you to get to know a few more members of our team&...

For more than a decade, Celeritas Recruiting has represented the leading organizations and professionals at the intersection of law and technolog...

With all the layoffs year to date, law firm business professionals are asking an important question: Is it time to panic?  Post-pandemic streamlining is happening in law firms as associates and business professionals are laid off. Law firms are trimming the proverbial ‘fat’ from their ranks following the record-breaking demand in legal services in 2021 and part of 2022. Pair...

With all the layoffs year to date, law firm business professionals are asking an important question: Is it time to panic?  Post-pandemic st...

Navigating your career can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can achieve your goals and land your dream job. I know that firsthand and was recently invited to share some of what I’ve learned about career management at the 2023 CLOC Global Institute held last month in Las Vegas.    The Corporate Legal Operations Consortium member community represents individ...

Navigating your career can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can achieve your goals and land your dream job. I know that firsthand ...

Conversation is swirling around how many “in office” days law firms are requiring of their professionals.   Recent reporting on the “4 days a week in the office” mandate coming from Managing Partners and Management Committees in Big Law is spurring controversy.    Leaving a hybrid work model in the rear-view mirror seems a dangerous proposition th...

Conversation is swirling around how many “in office” days law firms are requiring of their professionals.   Recent reporting on...

Celeritas Recruiting is excited to welcome our newest team member, James Bickley!   James joined Celeritas in January, bringing an impressive resume, a track record of achievement and extensive expertise in eDiscovery and consulting. His professional experience began with roles in business development and grew into leadership, successfully using his natural consultative approach to esta...

Celeritas Recruiting is excited to welcome our newest team member, James Bickley!   James joined Celeritas in January, bringing an impressi...

Is 2023 looking to be better than last year?    The overall tech industry saw a drop in investments in 2022 compared to 2021. Data from Nasdaq indicates venture funding last year in technology declined globally by about 35% from the prior year. And the legal technology sector was no exception to this trend.  There isn’t a single clear-cut reason for the ...

Is 2023 looking to be better than last year?    The overall tech industry saw a drop in investments in 2022 compared to 2021. Data f...

Employees have always had a variety of reasons for wanting to change jobs, though generally people seek new opportunities to better themselves in one way or another. In the current labor market, even despite some legal technology and legal services companies downsizing, the unemployment rate remains very low, and there are more job openings than candidates to fill them. This is good news for peopl...

Employees have always had a variety of reasons for wanting to change jobs, though generally people seek new opportunities to better themselves in one ...

Earlier this year on our blog page we addressed growing concern about employee health and wellness in the legal industry, including in the September post, Making Mental Health a Priority in the World of eDiscovery. Since then, our attention on mental health has only been reaffirmed as it continues to be an important part of the conversations that we have every day with both candidates and their pr...

Earlier this year on our blog page we addressed growing concern about employee health and wellness in the legal industry, including in the September p...

We have all heard the saying "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life". This sentiment certainly has some merit, implying we achieve personal fulfillment if we earn a living doing something we genuinely like. What it does not suggest is that we should stay in any given job indefinitely, even if we do enjoy the work.  Within law fir...

We have all heard the saying "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life". This sentiment cert...

Is a 40-hour workweek possible? Remote and hybrid work environments are now commonplace, as are new expectations for more balance between our personal and professional lives. This is true almost universally, including in the legal industry. Corporate legal departments, law firms and the technology and service providers that support them are all assessing their cultures, pay scales, benefits ...

Is a 40-hour workweek possible? Remote and hybrid work environments are now commonplace, as are new expectations for more balance between our perso...

Whether or not the greater U.S. economy is deemed to have fallen into a recession, the practice of law remains a strong field. Whatever downturn may occur in other sectors – due to supply chain challenges, labor shortages, reduction in demand or other factors – law firms have been largely unaffected. In fact, as is often the case, regardless of broader economic conditions, the legal in...

Whether or not the greater U.S. economy is deemed to have fallen into a recession, the practice of law remains a strong field. Whatever downturn may o...

Legal industry careers have evolved a lot over the past decade, in the practice of law, legal technology and the business of law. In recent posts we’ve highlighted the changing legal market with respect to new competition law firms face and expanding corporate legal operations, as well as the areas of contract analytics and life cycle management – all of which are resulting in new care...

Legal industry careers have evolved a lot over the past decade, in the practice of law, legal technology and the business of law. In recent posts we&r...

A couple months ago we shared some insight into the changing legal market, including new competition faced by law firms in recent years and the resulting new career paths we’re seeing for legal professionals. In addition to the emergence of alternative legal service providers, law firm subsidiaries and innovation divisions and expanding corporate legal operations, another area we’re se...

A couple months ago we shared some insight into the changing legal market, including new competition faced by law firms in recent years and the result...

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the Women in eDiscovery 2022 Conference. As a first-time attendee, I wasn’t sure what to expect, although the event theme of “Knowledge. Network. Revive.” sounded like exactly what I needed. This event provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and network among a diverse group of exceptional professionals, and after two long y...

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the Women in eDiscovery 2022 Conference. As a first-time attendee, I wasn’t sure what to expect, ...

“I’ve decided to stay at my current firm.” As a search consultant, I have heard this statement many times - but never more frequently than during the past year.  Why? Because most law firms understand the talent war has made hiring more challenging than ever. Firms have realized they need to do more to keep their valued employees, because if they leave, the time and re...

“I’ve decided to stay at my current firm.” As a search consultant, I have heard this statement many times - but never more freque...

Careers in the legal industry have evolved a great deal in recent years. This includes the practice of law, legal technology, and the business of law. Having worked in this industry for more than 25 years, I’ve watched this evolution up close. And I’ve been privileged to share my perspective last month on careers throughout the “business of law” for students at New York ...

Careers in the legal industry have evolved a great deal in recent years. This includes the practice of law, legal technology, and the business of law....

Among the impacts of the ongoing pandemic are changes in the labor market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate as of December 31, 2021, was 3.9% – the lowest it’s been since the start of the pandemic. Remote work has led many to rethink their work/life balance and career goals, prompting job changes unrelated to the pandemic that weren’t being conte...

Among the impacts of the ongoing pandemic are changes in the labor market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate as of De...

Celeritas works closely with the Am Law 100 and other large law firms to place professionals in their marketing, sales, finance, operations and other functional business areas to support their innovation, strategic growth and profitability goals. This provides us an interesting view on the overall business of law, the trends of the past year and what we can expect in 2022. Activity in mergers ...

Celeritas works closely with the Am Law 100 and other large law firms to place professionals in their marketing, sales, finance, operations and other ...

Employers see an opportunity to reduce salaries when an employee or candidate relocates from a major city to a less expensive area, but employees are now pushing back The world of human resources has faced interesting challenges in the past year and a half. Professionals have had to navigate changing protocols for in-person work while establishing new standards and support for remote work. Thos...

Employers see an opportunity to reduce salaries when an employee or candidate relocates from a major city to a less expensive area, but employees are ...

This article originally appeared in Legaltech News, June 2021. law.com/legaltechnews/2021/06/23/revolution-fomo-how-organizations-pivot-to-a-legal-analytics-strategy/   Revolution FOMO? How to Pivot to a Data-Driven Strategy, our founder, Chris Egan has identified 6 important steps he sees that entities are taking to successfully create business value from AI and data ...

This article originally appeared in Legaltech News, June 2021. law.com/legaltechnews/2021/06/23/revolution-fomo-how-organizations-pivot-to-a-l...

2020 LEGAL TECH RECAP and 2021 SPECULATIONS   So many of our conversations we have these days includes - “2020, what a year!”  But seriously, what a year to gain perspective, gain appreciation, gain family time, less commuting hours, etc.  What a year indeed.  Let’s take a moment to look back and reflect and to look ahead to a much-needed new year.&...

2020 LEGAL TECH RECAP and 2021 SPECULATIONS   So many of our conversations we have these days includes - “2020, what a year!&rdq...

Changes in the Legal Technology Top Talent Ecosystem Traditional workforce ecosystems have changed significantly in recent years, due in large part to technological advances that allow for new, more flexible working arrangements. As we enter a new decade, we should expect to see even more significant changes redefining the workforce ecosystem in the legal tech sphere. From evolving technolog...

Changes in the Legal Technology Top Talent Ecosystem Traditional workforce ecosystems have changed significantly in recent years, due in large part...

With the new law in effect, many businesses around the world are wondering what parts of the CCPA will apply to them. First, what is the CCPA? The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) was designed to protect consumer privacy rights. This means that consumers will gain new rights in regard to the personal information that companies are able to gather about them online. Now consumers will be...

With the new law in effect, many businesses around the world are wondering what parts of the CCPA will apply to them. First, what is the CCPA? T...

So the perfect candidate signed and accepted your job offer, congratulations! But don’t celebrate for too long, there is still work to do because nothing is certain after a candidate accepts an offer. Your new employee can still change their mind or simply not show up. 66% of managers say they’ve had a new hire accept a job offer, only to back out before the start date. What actions...

So the perfect candidate signed and accepted your job offer, congratulations! But don’t celebrate for too long, there is still work to do becaus...

Congratulations! You have been offered a new job opportunity at your dream company. You are ready for a fresh start in 2020 and feel that you’ve outgrown your current position. You want new responsibilities and the opportunity to advance in your career and this new job will do just that. However, when you go to turn in your notice, there will most likely be a plot twist. Your current empl...

Congratulations! You have been offered a new job opportunity at your dream company. You are ready for a fresh start in 2020 and feel that you&rsquo...

Although December 4th is recognized as the official eDiscovery day, we think it’s worth celebrating every day and here’s why. This year’s annual eDiscovery Market Size Mashup estimates the combined worldwide eDiscovery software and services market spend in 2019 to be approximately $11.23B, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 12.93% to $20.63B by 2024....

Although December 4th is recognized as the official eDiscovery day, we think it’s worth celebrating every day and here’s why. This year&rs...

Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the Ninth Annual Electronic Discovery Institute’s (EDI) Leadership Summit in beautiful Lake Tahoe. EDI continues to be the premier conference for senior eDiscovery professionals. As I reflect on this year’s conference and common themes, I really focused on two key takeaways - Innovation and Disruption. These terms are nothing new, but they do...

Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the Ninth Annual Electronic Discovery Institute’s (EDI) Leadership Summit in beautiful Lake Tahoe. E...

In the Spring of 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation that the European Parliament and Council agreed to embrace will replace the old Data Protection Directive. The GDPR will become the new primary law that protects the privacy and personal data of European Union Citizens.   GDPR will also change eDiscovery and cyber security in important ways that your firm needs to be aware of...

In the Spring of 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation that the European Parliament and Council agreed to embrace will replace the old Data Pro...

In October 2017, Governor Jerry Brown signed A.B. 168, which added a section to California's labor code banning employers from asking about past salary. The new law, codified in section 432.5 of the Labor Code, took effect on January 1, 2018. The goal of this law is to help address the wage gap, or the pay disparity between men and women in substantially similar jobs. California has jo...

In October 2017, Governor Jerry Brown signed A.B. 168, which added a section to California's labor code banning employers from asking about past s...