Associate Training
We don't expect you to know what to do to be a great lawyer just because you graduated from law school. We hired you because we believe you have the intellect, creativity, integrity, and strong work ethic to practice law and to make a difference in society.
We will teach you what you need to know. In exchange, we expect you to take the initiative for your own development and to make sure you are learning what we have to teach.
The Exceptional Advocate Training Program
Our firm has a long history of exceptional advocacy. Our trial lawyers, starting with Solly Robins in 1938, have always been willing to take on the difficult and noteworthy causes. To ensure the continuation of this fine tradition, we have developed The Exceptional Advocate training program.
The program is designed to provide early and vigorous trial training for associates and to provide a greater opportunity to talk with and seek advice concerning effective advocacy from experienced lawyers at our firm.
The Exceptional Advocate training program is a 4-year curriculum that is conducted in four phases:
Phase I - Court Trial / Arbitration. Participants will conduct two hearings / trials in a labor matter.
Phase II - Basic Jury Trials. Participants will conduct two trials of a tort case.
Phase III - Complex Jury Trials. Participants will take depositions and conduct a Markman Hearing in an IP case and then proceed to trial.
Phase IV - Advanced Jury Trial. Participants will conduct one trial in an IP or complex Business Litigation case.
In the first phase, associates are teamed with other associates to try cases against other associates in the firm utilizing outside judges and juries. In the latter phases, associates are teamed with senior associates and partners to try mock cases against senior trial attorneys throughout the firm. We also have on staff a Trial Advocacy Professor from a local law school to work individually with associates.
Litigation associates are also given the opportunity to develop their trial skills through a program developed for our firm by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. Mid-level associates spend two weeks in trial advocacy training where they practice direct and cross examination, opening statements, closing arguments and how to utilize courtroom technology. They don't sleep much, but they learn an awful lot. At the end of each week, the associates hold a bench trial (week 1) and a jury trial (week 2) before federal or state judges and partners at the firm.
In addition, training specific to an associate's practice group is provided during the associate's career.
Other firm training programs include:
Motion Practice Workshop
Deposition Skills Workshop
Rules of Civil Procedure Course
Evidence Course
Expert Witness Course
Introductory Deposition Program for Summer Associates
Small Case Opportunities Workshop
Marketing and Client Relationship Training
Lectures, Seminars, Discussions and Demonstrations
CLE Opportunities