We believe that associates learn best by working closely with experienced lawyers. Our assignment system combines personal attention and diversity of experience through a blend of the mentor and open assignment systems. Each associate works principally, though not exclusively, with a "supervising partner." In the beginning, a substantial portion of an associate's work flows from the supervising partner. Soon, however, an associate begins to work on projects with other lawyers, sometimes in conjunction with the supervising partner, sometimes not. We review and rotate supervising partner assignments regularly. We supplement the supervising partner assignment system with an assignment program that is administered by two partners.

We believe in the importance of providing timely, specific, and direct developmental feedback to associates. In addition to day-to-day feedback, we devote a great deal of time and energy to our annual evaluation process. We place particular importance on our responsibility for training associates as they develop their skills as lawyers. We recognize that entering the legal profession can be an intimidating prospect. Each fall we conduct a weekend retreat at which various attorneys, including senior partners and experienced associates, advise our new lawyers on the keys to success in practicing law at the Firm. We also have an in-house CLE program and a trial advocacy program. Additionally, every third-year litigation associate attends an intensive eight day trial advocacy course through NITA.

 

Our 2010 New Associates

Sara Apel (Emory University)
Chris Hodge (University of Connecticut)
Mettie Judd (Texas Tech)
Steve Pocsik (Baylor University)