Between Law School and Real-World Practice: Filling the Gap for Associates

“Among the questions facing law firms is how to train new law school graduates in the art and practice of law in the midst of billing pressures and clients’ concerns that they’re paying to train individuals inexperienced in their matters. One very promising answer is to design programs that both emphasize the early development of junior lawyers and deemphasize the need to bill in the first year or two of practice.”

“Washington, D.C.-based Howrey LLP, known for its innovative approaches to professional development such as its summer associates’ Howrey Bootcamp and Howrey U for firm associates, launched a new two-year program called First Tier for its incoming associates this fall.”

At Howrey, a Two-Year Program on the Cutting Edge

“Howrey’s two-year apprenticeship program may possibly be the most extensive initiated so far. So to learn more about it, I contacted the firm’s chief professional development officer, Dr. Heather Bock. (She holds a Ph.D. and is a professor at Georgetown University Law Center in addition to her role at Howrey.) The information she shared sheds light on how young lawyers and firms of all stripes can benefit from these types of programs.”

“According to Dr. Bock, Howrey’s program will significantly reduce billable-hours requirements for the firm’s first- and second-year associates. With the increased time available for professional development.”

“In addition, associates will also gain practical experience through pro bono cases and secondments.

Dr. Bock went on to describe the one-on-one assistance participants will be receiving throughout the program. Each associate is assigned a supervising partner who will aid in his or her development. But the more unique mentoring and coaching aspect of the program will come through peer learning groups facilitated by a coach.”

“According to Dr. Bock, here’s why this approach works: ‘It taps into the learning style and preferences of Gen Y, including a focus on feedback, teamwork and creating a high degree of challenge. For associates just out of law school, it presents a unique opportunity to jump into a different kind of learning environment where teamwork, leadership and interpersonal skills are emphasized and valued along with critical thinking. Our hope is that peer learning will contribute to fun, stimulating learning, and will serve as a platform to deepen individual learning, create connections among associates, and shared learning experiences.”’

“Howrey’s own commitment to talent development is evidenced by the many resources it invested to implement this two-year apprenticeship. In turn, one of the expectations is that participating associates can become profitable for the firm much faster than they typically would absent such an emphasis on new lawyer training.”

“No one can predict whether Howrey’s and similar creative initiatives will make a significant difference in how first- and second-year associates are introduced to and developed in the practice of law. But it is clear—and impressive—that these firms are not just doing the same old thing and expecting different results. They have put significant time into thinking about how the practice can be different and they are putting their money behind it. Frankly speaking, I believe their investments will more than pay off.”