It's not just attorneys we're trying to get. Our legal secretaries and paralegals could go work in the legal departments of big companies as well. To that end, human resources departments at law firms are studying retention issues to discover what makes employees leave and, conversely, what makes them happy. Perks and benefits can make the difference, says Julie Abernathy, a legal assistant in the Austin office of Jackson Walker. They're looking at benefits. . . .
Salaries are pretty even-keeled.
People are not really jumping for better pay. It's all about who will give you better benefits. That means most employees don't jump firms for higher pay these days, she says. It's important for staff members to know that management is listening to their needs and is willing to make some adjustments when those needs aren't being met, she says. Jordon believes firms need to remember to keep a personable atmosphere.