Law Firm Head Optimistic About Future of Young Lawyers

Despite concerns about the declining quality of new lawyers, a senior attorney at a law firm expressed optimism about the current generation's human and professional capabilities. Ran Feldman stated that the firm continues to encounter highly capable, curious, and motivated individuals, citing excellent students in law faculties, impressive candidates in recruitment processes, and talented interns. The firm does not differentiate between university and college graduates when hiring for internships, focusing instead on individual quality, interpersonal skills, and a genuine desire to learn. Feldman emphasized that the firm takes significant responsibility for training young lawyers, prioritizing potential and willingness to learn over the candidate's educational institution.

Regarding the length of internships, Feldman suggested that one year is sufficient for initial training, especially within their firm's system of personal mentorship, close guidance, and broad exposure to legal work. He noted that former interns who return as lawyers are well-prepared and integrate quickly. The firm's internship program involves hands-on learning, with close supervision from a dedicated mentor and support from other attorneys who also act as mentors. Interns are regularly exposed to a wide range of cases, attend court hearings, meet clients, and participate in ongoing case work, including legal research and writing.

Feldman believes that a significant part of learning occurs through asking questions that one might initially hesitate to pose. He highlighted that a supportive and accessible mentor fosters trust, enabling interns to ask fundamental questions. He also addressed the issue of raising the bar for entry into the profession, such as increasing the passing score on bar exams, stating that while it's a complex policy matter, he is not convinced that a higher exam score alone guarantees lawyer quality. He also commented on the abundance of lawyers, suggesting it increases competition and the need for professionalism, but believes that qualified and willing individuals should not be barred from the profession simply due to market saturation.