Upon arriving at Brownstein, first year associates and policy advisors join our apprentice program. After going through orientation, first year associates and policy advisors receive monthly support from our professional development team. Monthly discussion topics include best practices on billing, time management and managing stress. First-year associates have a reduced billable hour requirement so they can focus on furthering their development as attorneys.
All associates and policy advisors go through a structured on-going process that teaches them about the firm’s culture, resources and expectations. This onboarding process allows them to integrate quickly within Brownstein. Every associate and policy advisor is assigned a mentor as Brownstein recognizes that mentors play an important role in development and career success. As part of our collegial atmosphere, the firm also places a heavy emphasis on promoting informal mentoring in addition to our structured mentoring program to build relationships among our attorneys and policy professionals.
We encourage shareholders and senior policy professionals to give ongoing feedback to associates and policy professionals. In addition, associates and policy advisors receive detailed, substantive performance evaluations at least annually that track progress towards our core competencies system, provide guidance in setting goals and identifying the specific training, knowledge and work experiences they need to take their skills to the next level. Finally, associates and policy advisors receive training in leadership and business development to lay the groundwork for a successful partnership and senior policy professional transition.
We offer accredited in-house CLE programs and in-house training programs in key practice areas, including corporate, real estate, IP and natural resources topics, as well as litigation trial skills training. The firm is committed to grow future leaders of the firm. In order to support this commitment, every attorney and policy professional is provided with training on developing leadership skills to enable them to work as effectively as they can with colleagues and clients. We also provide personalized skills training to our attorney and policy professionals as specific needs arise.