Training | Assignment of Lawyers | Associates Committee | Associate Reviews

We are out to make a success of every lawyer.

To see associates become seasoned lawyers is one of the most rewarding experiences a partner can have. We are committed to this process and devote significant resources to make it happen. Associates are given real responsibility and practical guidance.

The firm believes that the professional training and development of its associates is as critical to the future of the firm as it is to the career of each associate. As a result, a variety of training is made available to all of our associates. The assignment of lawyers to particular matters is also done in a way that fosters the development of the associates involved.

To enhance the involvement of associates in the life of the firm, we have created an associates committee that has become an important part of our firm culture.

In addition, we provide specific guidance on their performance to each of our associates in our system of associate reviews.

Training

We regularly offer both required and optional in-house seminars and instruction programs to attorneys at every level.

Trial advocacy courses in the office and around the country are available to more senior litigation associates, as well as the opportunity to participate in various Inns of Court programs.

For new associates, Drinker Biddle offers extensive formal training programs in addition to many in-house seminars. In litigation, these include courses in negotiation skills, trial practice and an introduction to practice and procedure in the local courts. Corporate associates attend an extensive series of in-house training sessions that cover the basics of such topics as securities law compliance, corporate governance and M&A.

Associates also attend seminars sponsored by outside organizations such as The Practising Law Institute, bar associations and other professional groups.

Assignment of Lawyers

We staff transactions and cases so that each lawyer is exposed to every aspect of the matter. For the client, this approach is cost-effective; for our associates, the way we staff translates into a great deal of exposure to our clients and the complex matters we take on.

We've found that acceptance of substantial responsibility very early in their careers enables Drinker Biddle associates to compete in the marketplace as "first chair" lawyers much sooner than those who operate at the periphery of other firms. Partners work closely with associates, and solicit and value their opinions on strategy.

Associates are generally assigned to broad client matters, not individual projects, so that they become adept at managing multiple facets of a case or transaction. As they develop well-rounded skill sets, they are encouraged to pursue practice areas that best suit their talents and inclinations; these interests are taken into account in making further assignments. In this way, Drinker Biddle attorneys are able to shape their careers from the ground up. 

Associates Committee

Our Associates Committee is made up of three partners and eleven associates.

It provides a forum to address the questions and concerns of associates. It also provides an on-going line of communication between associates and firm management.

The committee also facilitates and promotes associate pro bono and community service activities.

Associate Reviews

Our associate review process is designed to reflect the needs of both the firm and our associates. Candid feedback and discussion is emphasized so that each associate receives a sense of their position, professional development and prospects within
the firm.

Candid, substantive evaluations are provided twice during an associate’s first year in a formal review process. Reviews during the first year focus on five criteria essential to success at Drinker Biddle: analytical ability and creativity, reliability, attention to detail, capacity for teamwork and work ethic.

After the first year, each associate is formally reviewed once each year. The reviews of more senior associates move increasingly toward a focus on: technical competence, client relations and management skills.

Every Drinker Biddle lawyer is encouraged to make the most of what he or she brings to the firm, and to take advantage of the formal and informal guidance we offer along the way.