Associates’ initial experiences are shaped by the size and diversity of our client base, the flexibility to practice in different areas, and the respect conferred upon them as new colleagues in the firm. Associates are encouraged to work on a wide variety of matters, and new attorneys regularly find themselves working directly with clients and making substantive decisions early in their career. During their first year, new associates take the lead role with minimal supervision in smaller transactions and litigation matters, making training a vital component of associate life.

Legal -- Our Legal Training Series brings lawyers together to discuss standard and Brown Rudnick-specific legal topics. Experienced firm lawyers and paralegals regularly conduct weekly, two-hour seminars. This year’s in-house legal training topics included Financing Transactions, Forming a Corporation or LLC, and Due Diligence Procedures. In addition, the Litigation Section conducts an annual trial training series with lectures and exercises in openings, closings, deposition practice, motions, direct and cross examination, demonstrative evidence, and impeachment and rehabilitation. Each June, the litigation series culminates with a mock trial.

Non-Legal -- Non-legal seminars scheduled throughout the year include topics such as Writing Skills for Lawyers, Understanding Financial Statements and Presentation Skill Training. Experts in each field are contracted to deliver seminars tailored to Brown Rudnick’s needs. In addition, we provide training and support for lawyers in the area of business development and marketing.

Continuing Legal Education -- Brown Rudnick associates attend CLE-sponsored seminars as needed. In addition, the bar associations and other professional organizations sponsor frequent seminars on a variety of topics, some more useful for beginning attorneys and others more appropriate for experienced practitioners. The firm and practice areas encourage attendance at such seminars.

Department Meetings -- Regularly scheduled department meetings focus on current cases or recently enacted statutes. Outside guest speakers − clients or other experts − are invited to present on issues of particular interest. These meetings have also been used to discuss form documents, trends in practice, and other issues of concern to the practice area as a whole.