P2P

8 THE NUANCE OF GENERATIONAL SHIFTS One nuanced observation in conversations about multi- generational legal workspaces is that younger attorneys today are more independent than their predecessors. They rely less on administrative support staff. They draft their own documents, manage their calendars, and navigate systems independently. This shift, however, does not mean that admin staff are any less vital. Partners and associates alike still take cues from trusted staff who normalize new workflows. At the same time, a new generation of administrative professionals is entering the legal sector. Many are navigating evolving expectations in their roles, balancing traditional support functions with new responsibilities tied to technology, process efficiency, and client service. Just like younger attorneys, these new administrative professionals are redefining how support looks in legal practices, and when empowered with training and visibility, they can become powerful allies in driving adoption. WHY ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS MATTER IN ADOPTION Administrative professionals sit in a unique position within law firms. They sit at the intersection of workflows, practice groups, and attorney levels, giving them a unique perspective that is invaluable during a rollout. Workflow Insight: Admins understand the nuances of how different practice groups operate. A litigation secretary knows the pressure of tight filing deadlines, while a corporate secretary might focus on version control in long drafting cycles. These insights enable them to quickly identify areas where a new system may cause friction and help mitigate it. Bridging Non-Partner Attorneys and Partners: Admin staff often see both sides. They understand what partners prioritize (client demands, efficiency, risk reduction) and what associates juggle (billable hours, document-heavy workflows, balancing learning with output). This dual perspective makes them uniquely positioned to bridge gaps in adoption. Trusted Influencers: Attorneys, especially partners, often lean on their secretaries for day-to-day processes. If an admin embraces a new tool, the attorneys they support are more likely to follow suit. Unfortunately, administrators are often the last to know about the newest tech tools decision makers choose to implement at their firm. They must adjust on the fly, support attorneys immediately, and keep workflows moving, all without having been appropriately included in the planning. This approach creates two significant issues: Change Fatigue: Admin professionals are constantly adapting to new processes and technologies. Without context or support, every rollout can feel like just "one more thing," which kills morale and buy-in. Missed Opportunity: By excluding admins, law firms lose the chance to leverage their insight into practice group workflows.

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