In a recent feature in The American Lawyer, Calibrate Managing Director Haley Revel joined leading voices in the legal industry to examine the lasting impact of the pandemic on associate engagement, development, and firm culture. The article, “Some Law Firm Leaders Say COVID-Era Associates Are Behind. But Is It an Engagement Problem?” explores the growing divide between firm leaders’ perceptions of associate readiness and the deeper systemic issues driving disengagement.
While some firm leaders believe associates who began their careers remotely are “behind” in their development, Revel points to a broader issue: the environment firms have created for professional growth.
“That didn’t really exist for a lot of firms prior to COVID, which diminished their ability to have the support structure that was needed,” said Revel, reflecting on firms’ historical lack of formal professional development infrastructure.
As firms have returned to in-person work, many have sought to reestablish mentorship and learning-by-osmosis models. But according to Revel, engagement—not physical presence—is the true differentiator of associate satisfaction and success.
“The people we talk to crave in-person interaction and mentorship,” Revel said. “Job satisfaction is not driven by showing up in the office but by the way you get to learn from the people mentoring and leading you.”
Revel’s perspective underscores a crucial shift in how firms must think about associate engagement. The most effective professional development initiatives are not about policy enforcement or attendance—they’re about intentional leadership, meaningful connection, and career clarity.
“Confusion leads to disengagement,” Revel added, emphasizing the importance of clear career pathways and transparent expectations for advancement.
As the article highlights, the question facing today’s firms is not whether pandemic-era associates are “behind,” but whether firm environments are evolving fast enough to support their growth. Engagement, mentorship, and clarity remain the most powerful levers for developing high-performing, loyal associates.
