As Indian law firms witness a surge in allied professionals across domains like business development, communication, legal technology and innovation, this issue takes on heightened relevance. While an influx of allied roles in Indian firms represents progress, it also exposes deep-seated cultural barriers and power dynamics. The longs-tanding functional teams in HR, finance, operations and IT have traditionally faced the brunt of this hierarchical mindset that places practicing lawyers at the apex of the ecosystem. Dismissive labels like “cost centers” reinforce the notion that allied staff are expendable resources rather than valued professionals.
Eric Farber, in his article Law Firms: Ditch the Hierarchy and Embrace Culture for All, emphasizes how treating support staff as second-class citizens hurts law firms. He argues that when people are relegated to second-class status, they feel unsafe and replaceable, making it difficult for them to care about the success of a business that makes them feel disrespected.
A recent article titled Unseen, Unheard: The Invisible Struggle of Non Lawyer Professionals in Indian Law Firms sheds light on the numerous challenges faced by non-lawyer professionals in the Indian legal industry. From pay disparities to policy discrimination, the article delves into the lack of recognition and respect for their tireless contributions. It highlights the culture of disregard that permeates law firms, the ineffectiveness of HR policies in addressing their grievances, and the toll on their well-being and mental health.
As new allied roles emerge in strategic areas like business development and legal innovation, India’s legal sphere has an opportunity to move beyond outdated perceptions. Nonetheless, achieving real inclusion and equality extends beyond simple terminological updates like abandoning the term “non-lawyer.”
Source: Barandbench
