Developing New Attorneys

by Colette Magnetta

Earlier this year, I attended a panel discussion in which risk managers, in-house counsel, and insurance claim adjusters all discussed their disdain for important files getting handed off to “lowly” associates, only to have an uninformed partner pick up the file just before trial.  The second-year associate next to me slumped in her chair.  The message to her was clear: new associates are not trusted to handle files alone.  The concern is a valid one.  Litigation takes practice.  However, the above approach is not only risky for the client, it may be inefficient for the firm as well.Our firm prides itself on a team approach to our files with partner and associate working together.  While the associate benefits immensely from receiving a fair amount of guidance (which we will discuss more in a later article), clients need to be assured that the associate is capable of handling certain tasks independently but is not handling the file alone.  Clients are always pleased to have communication come directly from a partner.  However, when we call a client to discuss strategy, we introduce the associate and include him in the session.  In this setting, the client can see that the partner is involved in the file and participating in the direction of the representation, see that the associate is well informed about the facts of the case, and most importantly see the two working together in a coordinated effort.  When we email substantive reports to the client, we copy (not blind copy) the associate as a signal to the client that both attorneys are involved in the analysis and strategy of the case.

The client becomes familiar with and develops confidence in the associate after working on multiple files which were litigated well and resolved positively, knowing that he is receiving proper training, and confident in the handling of the file knowing that the partner remains involved at each stage.  Over time, the associate deservedly gains the client’s trust and handles files with less supervision.  More direct communication with the client is then appropriate.  Eventually, that associate becomes a partner and supervising attorney and can introduce the client to the next class of new associates.