City firms mandate phone and face-to-face comms bootcamps for Gen Z lawyers
Gen Z’s preference for texting over talking is a frequent talking point, but what happens when this collides with law – an industry built on face-to-face conversations, phone calls, and handshakes – and what are City law firms doing to address it, writes Rosie Harris-Davison. City Law firm Addleshaw Goddard told City AM it is [...]
Gen Z lawyers are increasingly relying on text-based communication, yet law firms in the City are taking steps to bridge the gap between their preferred mode of contact and the traditional practices of face-to-face conversations and phone calls. City Law firm Addleshaw Goddard announced plans to implement a mandatory communication skills program for junior lawyers, which will cover phone etiquette, face-to-face interactions, workplace technology, and professional standards.
The initiative was developed after the firm observed that some early-career employees lacked exposure to professional environments, potentially impacting their ability to navigate the workplace with confidence. Similarly, Winston Taylor mandates telephone training for its junior lawyers, emphasizing the importance of communication, collaboration, and relationship-building across various professional settings.
According to a YouGov poll, only one-third of Gen Z respondents reported feeling comfortable making phone calls, contrasting sharply with 67% of Baby Boomers and 49% of Millennials. Universities are also responding to the challenge, with Nottingham College offering a bespoke course aimed at Gen Z employees, teaching them how to overcome phone anxiety and become effective communicators in professional environments.
Written by urgent.news from City AM's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
