What Our First Year Associates Are Saying

The firm made a significant and genuine investment in this program. The program was thoughtful, deliberate, and always moving us toward the goal of learning. The program created a safe place to learn and take risks. The formula was simple and effective: learn, do, discuss.

 

 

 

 

While I was a bit skeptical about returning to "school," after just graduating, I wouldn't trade the development program experience for anything now. The program gave me the opportunity to develop relationships throughout the firm that I would not have been able to form otherwise so early in my career. I was able to build on the skills I learned through clinics and practicums and apply them to my practice area. I also had the opportunity to make those first few learning curve mistakes without the added pressure of worrying about billable time. I'm grateful for the months of development time that helped prepare me for success in a law firm.

 

 

The most unexpected thing I gained from the training program was the bond that formed between me and my fellow first years. I am truly invested in their lives as they are in mine. I enjoy coming to work each day. I have a network of talented professional peers from whom I can seek advice - no matter how small or large the problem or silly or profound the question. It is a network that I will grow with as we become the future of the firm.

 

  

 

Drinker Biddle’s training program used a hands-on, learn-by-doing, approach. We were encouraged to ask questions. We had time to process the feedback we received. We were able to make mistakes and learn from them. And, the training program was really fun. One of my favorite exercises involved working in a group to come up with a creative presentation (using video and other technology) regarding a tough ethics issue.

 

 

 

Drinker Biddle’s training program increased my confidence and put me in a position to take a more active role in assignments and in client interaction.