The Firm has created a Mentor Program where each newly-hired legal assistant is paired with a legal assistant mentor, an experienced legal assistant who is familiar with Firm procedures and culture. This relationship helps foster growth and ease the legal assistants' integration into the Firm's working environment. Additionally, several practice groups also provide lawyer mentors. The Legal Assistant Director and Managers, who are responsible for the administration of matters relating to the staff, are also valuable resources for legal assistants. Legal assistants are also included in departmental seminars held for attorneys and are encouraged to attend seminars outside of the office in areas the Firm believes will enhance their skills and ability to service client matters.
Legal assistants receive a review after each six month period during the first year of employment.
Subsequent reviews are done at the end of the calendar year. Similar to the procedure with lawyers, legal assistants are assigned to specific practice areas and projects based on their interests and experience. Senior Legal Assistants are experienced legal assistants who have developed an expertise in a particular area. Typically, they have worked for the Firm for at least two years. Legal assistants are promoted to senior legal assistants when their professional and personal performance meets established criteria.