The Associate Retention Challenge
Firms invest heavily in recruitment and professional development, yet retaining top associates remains a persistent challenge. Today’s associates seek career growth clarity, meaningful engagement, and a firm culture that supports long-term success.
When associates feel uncertain about their future or disconnected from the firm, they become prime targets for recruiters promising better opportunities.
Associate Professional Development & Retention Program:
A Win-Win Approach
My approach sets itself apart by focusing on both associates and firms. I help associates build fulfilling, sustainable careers while deepening their commitment to the firm.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, I guide associates through individualized strategies that align their career goals with the firm’s vision. This fosters greater engagement, reduces turnover, and strengthens long-term success for both parties.
A Structured, Strategic Approach
I take a long-term view of retention and success, offering:
Confidential stakeholder interviews with firm leadership, administrators, associates, and former associates Comprehensive analysis to identify retention challenges, frustrations, and opportunities One-on-one coaching for associates (8-month program) to focus on career alignment, engagement, and growth Regular on-site engagement to support ongoing progress, communication, and retention strategies
Strategic Insights for Leadership
Before coaching begins, I conduct an in-depth analysis through confidential interviews with key stakeholders. This process provides firm leadership with:
Clear understanding of the specific challenges, frustrations, and opportunities impacting retention Data-driven foundation to align leadership on coaching objectives of associate coaching Actionable insights to enhance firm culture and improve associate engagement
Without this broader perspective, coaching becomes siloed—helping individual associates but failing to connect their development to the firm’s long-term goals.
Partnering for Long-Term Success
I welcome the opportunity to discuss how the Associate Professional Development & Retention Program can strengthen associate engagement and improve long-term retention for your firm.
Client Recommendation
Her Assessment and Recommendation...Have Improved the Health of the Firm
Although Tracy’s initial task for us was to find talented attorneys, her role for our firm expanded over the years. She has been genuinely concerned about the success of the attorneys she has placed with us which, in turn, has transformed into a broader interest in our firm’s overall success.
Her follow-up on attorney hires has led to more in-depth discussions about critical firm management issues such as associate mentoring, attorney health and well-being, compensation, advancement from associate to partner, and succession planning. Given her background, Tracy was able to offer her assessment and recommendation on these and other law firm management issues that have improved the health of the firm.
I routinely reach out to Tracy to brainstorm about solving the thorny law firm management issues that inevitably surface from time to time. And I value her input on these issues because she genuinely cares about the success of our firm, and given her proven track record with us, I trust her insights and instincts. Having Tracy as an ongoing resource has been extremely helpful in my role as the managing partner of the firm.
I have recommended, and will continue to recommend, Tracy to anyone who is interested in or looking for a competent, knowledgeable, and trusted law firm recruiter or management advisor.
—Managing Partner, Metropolitan Denver area