I wonder what kind of representation their clients are receiving ... and how does one interpret or define "competence?''  What do you think?

There is a movement afoot to create an apprenticeship program for lawyers.  Georgia and Utah both require first year associates to enter a mentor program; of course, there is no requirement that senior lawyers be mentors, so I'm not sure how their programs work in actual practice.

And Howery has recently announced an apprentice program that is getting a lot of attention. Their new hires will split their time between shadowing senior partners, taking classes and working on "low-grade" client matters, being billed out at very low rates.

The recession/depression ("The Great Reset") has provided the excuse for a recalibration of the economics of law practice by many, both clients and law firms.