“Well, you see there is this funny thing that happens when women age. We become damn near invisible. Oh, not that I’m complaining. I had my moment in the sun. Plus, it’s useful because nobody sees us coming.” —Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock in the new “Matlock.”
Effective communication within a law office is crucial for fostering collaboration and ensuring that all team members—from Baby Boomers to Gen Z employees—can work together efficiently. As highlighted in the new “Matlock” series, where Kathy Bates’ character reflects on the invisibility that can come with aging, it is essential to recognize and address the communication styles and preferences of different generations within the law firm workplace. Here are some personal observations.
Understanding Generational Communication Styles
Baby Boomers (born 1946-1961):
Baby Boomers often value face-to-face communication and prefer structured environments. They may appreciate formal meetings and written memos over digital communications. To engage Baby Boomers effectively, it is beneficial to:
- Schedule regular in-person meetings to discuss case strategies.
- Use clear, detailed emails to provide updates or instructions.
- Encourage mentorship roles where Boomers can share their extensive experience with their younger colleagues—and thereby learn from their younger colleagues.
Generation X (born 1965-1980):
Those at the law firm from Generation X tend to be independent and resourceful. They appreciate direct communication, yet value a consistent work-life balance. To communicate effectively with Gen X:
- Utilize a mix of email and text messages for quick updates.
- Respect their time by keeping meetings concise and on point.
- Foster environments where they can voice their opinions and contribute ideas freely.
Millennials (born 1981-1996):
Millennials are creatures of the digital revolutions. They thrive on teamwork and feedback. They prefer informal communications and value transparency. To connect well with Millennials:
- Leverage technology like project management tools for team projects and collaborative work.
- Provide regular feedback through informal check-ins or digital platforms.
- Create settings for team brainstorming sessions.
Generation Z (born 1997-2012):
As the newest entrants to law firms and related positions, Generation Z presents as the most tech-savvy, valuing authenticity with a flexible work day. They often prefer visual communication methods. To interact with Gen Z effectively:
- Use video conferencing tools for meetings to enhance engagement (setting boundaries such as actually being on the video call, not posting a picture nor leaving their name-only on screen).
- Incorporate visual aids in presentations to support their learning preferences.
- Encourage open dialogue about their career aspirations and workplace concerns.
Fostering Teamwork for Client Success
To marshal teamwork effectively within a law office, it is important to create an inclusive environment that leverages the strengths of each generation. Strategies to consider include:
- Encourage cross-generational mentoring: Pair younger employees with seasoned professionals to facilitate sharing of wisdom and to build relationships across age groups.
- Communicate using a variety of tools: Adopt a variety of communication platforms catering to diverse preferences, such as emails for formal communication, instant messaging for quick queries, and video calls for collaborative discussions.
- Promote team building activities: Time away from the office can build camaraderie. Said differently, who doesn’t get a kick out of ax throwing, a baseball game, or skeet shooting?
- Regular feedback: Solicit feedback on communications and team dynamics. What areas need improvement? Who feels that their voice is not heard?
- Set clear goals: Establish common objectives requiring collaboration within the law firm, reinforcing the importance of teamwork to achieve success for clientele.
Conclusion
In a law office setting, effective communication across generational lines is vital for enhancing teamwork that ultimately benefits clients. The evolving conversation about communicating across generations in law firms underscores the need for adaptability and innovation. By understanding the unique communication preferences of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z, law firms can create an environment that values collaboration and inclusivity. As demonstrated in “Matlock” and other legal procedurals we know and love, recognizing the diverse experiences within a team can lead to innovative solutions and successful outcomes for clients—and disprove the old adage that “old age and treachery will always win over youth and exuberance.”
The alleged, perceived invisibility of older female lawyers is a sham. Older female lawyers bring a wealth of life experience that informs their understanding of clients’ needs and concerns. Life experience lends itself to empathy, and empathy fosters trust. Perceived invisibility can be used as a strength and an opportunity. Similarly, the technological savvy of younger generations brings a host of unique presentation styles that delight judges and juries alike. Emphasizing inclusivity through mentorship and mechanisms for feedback enhance workplace dynamics and improve client service outcomes. Embracing diverse communication preferences strengthens interpersonal relationships within law first, and enhances the overall effectiveness of our practices.
Elisa Reiter is a senior attorney with Calabrese Budner in Dallas, Texas, and is board certified in family law and child welfare law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She has served as an adjunct professor at SMU and is admitted to practice in New York, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C.
Daniel Pollack, MSW, JD is a professor at Yeshiva University’s School of Social Work in New York City. He was also a Commissioner of Game Over: Commission to Protect Youth Athletes, an independent blue-ribbon commission created to examine the institutional responses to sexual grooming and abuse by former USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar.
