Anecdotally, I fairly often hear that that there are differences in priorities and values between different generations of lawyers. As usual, I would love to make a study on this... but in due time, one can take a look in the rear mirror to see what a study of lawyers in St. Louis in 1995 responded when they were asked what was most important to them.
At the top of the list:
1. do the highest quality work I can
2. be happy with my work
High on the list were also ‘make a substantial income,’ ‘serve the client,’ ‘have control over work-life’, ‘be respected,’ ‘be intellectually challenged’, and ‘ time for myself and family.’
