While on some larger matters, new associates may be working directly for more senior associates, the firm tries to assign everyone some smaller matters where they work directly with partners. In the past few years, Schnader associates have been the lead lawyer in jury trials and have argued cases in state and federal appellate courts. Partners meet with associates on a regular basis to constructively evaluate each associate's work product. The firm has a full-time administrator in charge of associate development to ensure that each associate receives appropriate, assignments and effective training. At Schnader Harrison, lawyers receive training in a number of ways.
Departments meet regularly to discuss emerging issues in their practice.
These meetings allow associates to learn from more experienced attorneys many of the practical and strategic approaches to practicing law. Schnader lawyers frequently find that the very person to answer a challenging question or provide input on an issue sits right next door or is merely an E-mail away. Everyone has an open-door policy, and the firm's associates take advantage of the years of knowledge and experience that surround them. In accordance with the rise of continuing legal education requirements in many states, the firm frequently uses CLE courses to refine lawyers' practical skills or increase their substantive knowledge in a particular area of practice. Schnader associates often attend introductory level courses to help them build a strong foundation in their chosen practice and attend more intensive clinical courses in areas such as negotiation or trial practice.