Associates’ School
Thompson Coe’s Associates’ School began in 2001 as a way to provide our young attorneys with the knowledge and skills they didn’t learn in law school, but that are necessary to succeed. What started as informal lunch meetings with a handful of attorneys has grown into a multi-office, multi-state training course for all of Thompson Coe’s new hires and senior associates. It is now an integral part of our attorney development program and a means for Thompson Coe to adhere to its standard of high-quality attorneys and superior work product.
Beginner: 1-4 Year Associate
As a new attorney just out of law school there is much to learn about life in a law firm. In this two-day training session associates learn the ins and outs of successfully navigating their first few years as an attorney. Examples of what is covered include how to bill time effectively, the importance of conflicts checks, meeting client and partner expectations, and where to turn in the event a mistake is made. The program provides instructions and tips on how to fine tune skills relating to associate’s everyday practice, and provides valuable face time with senior attorneys and partners who give insight into how to successfully grow in their careers.
Thompson Coe’s Associates’ and Advanced Associates’ School is yet another way the firm sets itself apart by investing in associates early on and making an effort to provide continuous training throughout their careers.
Advanced: 5 Year-Senior Attorney
Once an associate has been practicing for at least five years and has enough experience to take on more complex tasks and projects, they attend the Advanced Associates’ School. This content-rich program exposes associates to the next level of practice through interactive lectures, open-panel discussions, and question-and-answer forums. At the end of this program associates should not only be armed with invaluable knowledge, but feel confident about the Firm’s investment in their development toward partnership.
The Associates’ School program provides practical training to young attorneys that they don’t get in law school. It educates associates on legal skills specific to litigation handled by their practice group, as well as on general case management and client interaction. I found the program to be a huge benefit to associates looking to make the most of the mentoring and leadership programs at Thompson Coe.