Brownstein is committed to the continuing professional development of every attorney who joins the firm.

New attorneys are welcomed to the firm with a full-day orientation program. Twice a year, we bring new associates together from all of our offices to teach best practices on billing, timekeeping, time management and utilization of information resources, to share the firm's history and culture, as well as its high expectations with respect to ethics, professionalism and community service, and to communicate the firm's policies on associate hours, compensation, bonuses, memberships and other issues.

Upon their arrival at the firm, both newly-graduated and lateral attorneys are assigned a mentor who helps the attorney to integrate into the firm's culture and take advantage of its many resources.

As early in their careers as possible, we provide our associates with challenging work assignments that help them develop quickly and perform at a higher level than their classmates at comparable firms.

We supplement this work experience with a variety of opportunities for pro bono and community involvement, supported by an active Pro Bono Committee and full-time Community Relations Manager.

We also provide regularly scheduled training programs, through which associates gain both substantive legal knowledge and general skill development. Presentations offered over the past year have included: 

• Basic Drafting Skills 
• Negotiation Workshop 
• Effective Due Diligence 
• Advanced Lending 
• Core Skills in Litigation 
• Deposition Tips and Strategies 
• Tax Considerations (affecting various practice areas) 
• "Coffee Talks" offering tips for efficient research 
• "Law Behind the Clause" programs, reviewing the interpretation of commonly-used clauses

In addition to ongoing feedback, associates receive semi-annual performance evaluations that provide guidance for their individual development plans, setting goals and identifying the specific training, knowledge and work experiences they need to take their skills to the next level and ultimately to become great lawyers. For further information on the firm's professional development program, contact Marian Lee, Director of Professional Development and Risk Management at 303-223-1256.