Why Associates Just Fell in Love with Ropes & Gray

Ropes & Gray has more than its share of early-mover firsts under its belt. They were among the first to build out a private equity practice. They helped enable specialized ETFs.

Ropes is one of the first to build a team of high-performing client development executives – marketing pros who focus solely on understanding clients and the relationship partners serving these clients.

These CDEs are client-facing – BTI hears about how good they are in our independent research. It has become a precision process driving growth and profits.

Now the firm is offering 400 hours to 1Ls to learn GenAI and receive billable-hour credit. Associates are loving it – and a growing group of clients will love what they think it enables.

BTI completed a flash survey of associates across all firms last week, and here’s how they weigh in:

40.3% think it is an amazing idea – they think the firm will expand the program to other associates – and they believe they are early enough in their careers to become GenAI native – offering long-term career advantage.

23.2% think it an excellent idea – they want to learn and take advantage of it – but worry the time spent on GenAI will hurt their ability to deliver their workload

A total of 63.5% gave this a resounding thumbs up. They are wondering if their firms will offer a similar program – and which firms might move next.

4.9% say it’s terrible – a time sink and will get them in trouble one way or another.

Ropes & Gray may have boosted its position as a destination firm for new grads – and likely associate-level laterals. 61% of clients are expecting their law firms to use GenAI in a helpful and productive manner. The Ropes move tells clients they are making it native to their culture.

Law firms remain polarized about GenAI and the race hasn’t even made to the first turn. The firms making the visible bets get the coverage – and are betting the clients and associates will follow.

This is as much of a market positioning move as an innovation move. Ropes is making a statement. The clients wanting law firms to know GenAI and how to use it will see it for what it is – and expect it.