Individual career plans in law firms

Purpose – Present study aims to understand how careers are managed in Law Firms. Theoretical framework – Human Resources (HR) departments have responsibilities for the Career Management of its employees. This management aims to provide professional paths that are attractive and motivating. Design/methodology/approach – Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with lawyers and trainees from three law firms. Data were analysed with the qualitative methodology, by thematic analysis. Findings – The results suggested that lawyers see the career as a course of evolution that must be pursued with the objective of obtaining recognition and professional consolidation. The law firms look for professionals who identify with their values and with a profile that they consider the most appropriate to their reality. Career paths are well delineated in the organization structure with a rigid hierarchical structure and progressing through the achievement of objectives. Research, Practical & Social implications – This study emphasizes de need to promote career development plans in law firms. Originality/value – The originality of this study is the fact that we try to understand how career development occurs in a specific population, where there is a lack of scientific information – law firms.