Clear communication and clarification of expectations are the keys to the development and retention of Gen Y law firm associates according to the panel of partners and associates at the Women in Law Empowerment Forum event last Thursday morning.

During a lively discussion moderated by Phyllis Weiss Haserot, President and Founder of Practice Development Counsel, the panelists addressed significant differences in communication styles, desires and needs of each of the three generations currently in the workforce – the Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y – and how such differences impact the development and retention of both Gen X and Gen Y associates.

While these sort of discussions often focus exclusively on Generation Y’s fallibilities, such as their helicopter parents over-involvement in their careers and the generation’s need for constant feedback, Helise Harrington of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal emphasized the good things that have come out of the introduction of Gen Y to the workforce, including a greater movement towards flextime and parental leave for all. As a Baby Boomer, she said that she could really appreciate the change. “When I first entered firm life, there were only two women, and they both put off having babies until after they made partner. And, once they actually gave birth, they zoomed back [to the office].”

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Contributed by Caroline Ceniza-Levine of SixFigureStart

On Tuesday, February 10th in New York City, the Women’s Executive Circle of New York presented “Tips For Landing That Boardroom Post: An Insider’s View.” The panel to encourage and inform women on how to get on corporate boards featured:

• Ted Jadick, Heidrick & Struggles Managing Partner and search recruiter for many top Fortune 500 corporate boards
• Yvonne Jackson, President of Beecher Jackson and board member of several non-profit and corporate boards
• Nancy Newcomb, a retired senior executive of Citigroup and board member of several non-profit and corporate boards

The panel was moderated by Nicole Sebastian, Heidrick & Struggles, an associate in the Corporate Boards practice group. Read more

by Zoe Cruz (New York City)

“One would think that in this time of stresses, the little things wouldn’t bother us too much. But they do.” So said by Mimi Donaldson, empowerment expert and co-author of Bless Your Stress, as she began her workshop entitled “Tactics to Triumph In Tough Times”. The workshop was one of the many available during the Women’s Leadership Exchange East Coast Summit held on November 12th in New York City.

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by Heather Cassell (San Francisco)

Women lined the bar three rows deep and enjoyed hors d’œuvres strategically placed in the narrow walkway created by a five-foot wood wall that separated the restaurant from the bar. We were all there for Smart Women Get Together, a traveling monthly social business networking event for San Francisco Bay Area businesswomen.

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The US members of The Glass Hammer team are enjoying our BBQ’s here on Independence Day and are observing the holiday.

Happy Friday to our readers in the UK and the rest of the world.

We do have exciting news to tell you about what we are up to here at The Glass Hammer. Later this month you will be able to join our community group online. Watch this space.

The Glass Hammer job section has some great jobs from the best employers in the business. Bookmark the url www.theglasshammer.com/jobs or access it from the home page via the Jobs tab.

Robin Barone is an occasional contributor and regular reader of The Glass Hammer and when she asked me to publish her invitation to go sailing this summer I hesitated. We always talk about networking and about being a community, so I decided to publish the invitation on her behalf. Incidentally, I met Robin while skiing in Whistler and when I told her about The Glass Hammer she instantly became a reader. Friends, clients, vendors and mentors can be found in such situations, living proof that The Glass Hammer facilitates a natural community and that we are all connected with common interests, work related and otherwise.

We also want to hear from you in the trenches as guest bloggers.

The trip- Sailing around Croatian Islands hosted by Robin Barone

For the week of August 31st our home will be the Oceanis 473, a 47 foot sailboat based out of Dubrovnik. Our sail boat is a part of a flotilla leaving Dubrovnik the week of August 31st. (Essentially our boat is a part of a group of boats with a leader!) I have hired a captain to taking care of the trip. Assistance is voluntary. We are able to board our new home by 6pm on Sunday. On Monday morning we awake for orientation, safety discussions, and then head out until Saturday evening. Our current itinerary includes visiting the island of Sipan, Mijiet, Korcula, and Kobas. Mornings are spent sailing. Afternoons are spent lounging and exploring. Evenings are for dining in the local tavernas and socializing with other flotilla members (optional).

The current shipmates are a group of fun loving, adventuresome women between the ages of 28 to 36 years. Coincidentally we are all avid travelers, skiers, and life lovers! Everyone is connected through me and their interest in this trip. It wasn’t intended to be all women but two of the men fell overboard when it was time to commit. As for myself – I am a Philadelphia turned NY’er, the ever doer, thinker, and creator. I currently work in real estate finance.

We are currently searching for 2 more shipmates to complement our group. There is a cost and I would be happy to talk directly with you about that. The four of us have booked tickets to arrive in Dubrovnik on August 29th.

If you are interested in joining please contact me at curlyrobin@yahoo.com and I can send you full details.

Disclaimer: this is an offer made by a reader of theglasshammer.com. The Glass Hammer does not endorse this trip and is not liable for it in any way. This is merely notification that it is taking place.