Recent law school graduates are given an opportunity to work in all areas of the firm's practice. An associate receives increased responsibility and gradually diminishing supervision in direct proportion to the associate's performance on previously assigned projects. Direct client contact is encouraged from the beginning as is participation in many aspects of firm management via membership on various firm committees, including the recruiting committee.
In litigation, an entry-level associate participates in discovery, performs legal research, writes memos and briefs, and assists at depositions and trials under day-to-day supervision of a partner.
In the area of patent application, drafting and prosecution, an associate undergoes an intensive training program under the close scrutiny of one or more partners. Associates generally work in the technical areas in which they have a strong background but are given an opportunity to work in other areas of interest to them. An associate working in this area can expect regular interaction with inventors, clients and patent examiners.
Associates meet periodically with our litigation and prosecution practice managers to review workload, areas of experience and the associate's career goals. Every effort is made to provide associates with broad experience or, if desired, to permit the associate to focus on a particular area. Each associate is strongly encouraged to assist the firm in directing their career toward their strengths and interests. Formally reviewed semi-annually, associates also receive continual feedback from partners with whom they are working.
Marshall, Gerstein & Borun's Director of Professional Development, Meggan Duffy, works with lawyers at all stages of their careers to develop and implement comprehensive plans for continuing legal education. “Our firm is dedicated to creating an environment in which individuals can flourish,” said Ms. Duffy. “We are committed to making sure all of our attorneys have the support needed to further their professional careers, so that they may continue to hone their skills and provide the highest quality representation to our clients.” The firm conducts periodic in-house seminars approved for CLE credit, and pays for attorneys to attend conferences or other outside educational programs.
The firm includes associates in regular, informal practice group meetings organized around areas of practice (e.g., litigation) and technical disciplines (e.g., biotechnology, chemistry, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering). This fosters camaraderie and promotes professional development at all levels.
The firm assigns a partner as a mentor for each associate and recommends that each associate meet with his/her mentor at least once per month, usually over lunch or coffee. To maximize each associate’s exposure to other partners, practice areas and points of view, each associate receives a new mentor annually.
The firm's marketing department provides coaching and training presentations to assist attorneys to develop valuable networking and business development skills. Associates are active participants in client and potential client meetings.
In addition to these formal structures for education and training, each associate is given a budget for continuing education and marketing with which the associate has discretion for furthering his or her professional development.