It is designed to enable our newest lawyers to become acquainted quickly with Wolf Block's internal policies and administrative operations, as well as with our lawyers. The first-year orientation program continues with periodic meetings to discuss basic legal practice, lawyering techniques such as negotiation and client relations, and individual office and practice management. Each new associate initially has an advisor who meets with him or her on a bi-weekly basis to monitor workload and training issues. Our commitment to training and development continues beyond a lawyer's first year, and does not end until a lawyer stops practicing. Wolf Block recognizes that lawyers at all levels need to grow and stay current in their substantive legal knowledge, that they need to be knowledgeable concerning the business of the Firm, and that they need to possess the skills necessary to advance the goals of the Firm.
Substantive law is primarily the responsibility of departments and practice groups.
At the same time, there is much interdisciplinary training and development relating to the building of knowledge and skills that will advance the goals of the Firm as a whole. Wolf Block's training and development of its lawyers after the first year is embodied in its Attorney Development Program, which has three primary elements. First is the New Associates Orientation program described above. The second element of training takes place within each department. Departments have their own training programs designed specifically for that department's needs.