Developing Tomorrow's Leaders Today

The best firm is the firm with the best people. As a learning organization, Paul Hastings is committed to developing the talent and expertise of our people. We recognize that you want to learn, to have options and opportunities, to make a difference, to have a voice, to have flexibility, and to know that the firm cares about your professional development. We continually invest in you through Partners who are committed to leading by example, converting talent into stars, and supporting careers, not resumes. The driving force behind this effort is the Attorney Development department. We are passionate about developing new standards in your legal and professional excellence. Hallmarks of our commitment include a:

• Strategic approach to talent management
• Dynamic and interactive methodologies
• Global integration
• Emphasis on local relationships

Choosing Paul Hastings means choosing to be a leader by doing the best legal work and taking advantage of the firm’s full range of professional development services including legal training, integration opportunities, career development, and performance management.

Legal Training

Attorney Development works with the firm’s practice area leaders to provide over 700 Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited training programs on a wide variety of basic and complex legal topics.

PH DNA (Paul Hastings Developing New Associates): A 5-day program for first year Associates. PH DNA offers an introduction to the Firm by communicating the Firm’s vision and strategic direction, outlining department specific goals and structure, increasing Associate skills and abilities in delivering excellent legal services, and establishing professional relationships across offices and departments.

Mid-level Retreat: A program for fourth year Associates focused on communicating firm and department business strategies and linking those strategies to associate development and advancement. This Retreat provides Associates a greater understanding of the paths to partnership and alternative career options, individual career development plans, ways to distinguish themselves within the Firm and the profession, and opportunities to meet their individual career goals.

Associate Business Development Program: The multi-faceted, interactive 15-week program improves fourth year and above Associate skills in developing and managing new and existing client relationships. This program includes a full day of substantive training, five coaching group meetings lead by a Partner, a learning assignment, and the creation of an individual business development plan.

Practice Academies: Global year long programs for Associates and Partners as well as clients from all practicing areas. These 12-monthly training programs offer in-depth learning on core M&A concepts and processes.

Legal Off-site Training Programs: All practicing departments are actively involved in training and extremely committed to the professional development of their Associates. Examples of legal off-site training programs include the Corporate Mid-level and Senior Associate training; the Employment Law Leadership Summit; the Deposition Skills, Law & Motion, and Trial Advocacy programs for Employment Law and Litigation Associates; and the Real Estate Summit. Additionally, the Europe Associate Retreat and the Asia Lawyers’ Retreat provide both general and legal substantive training to all Associates in these regions.

Integration Opportunities

Associate Orientation and Integration Program: This program introduces Associates to the Firm, educates Associates about the Firm’s extensive infrastructure and available resources, and provides offices a customized on-boarding plan for new and lateral Associates.

Associate International Exchange Program: A 12 – 24 month placement for third to fifth year Associates focusing on enhancing Associates’ international lawyering acumen.

New and Lateral Partner Orientation and Integration: New and lateral partners are supported through a Global platform to ensure a smooth transition, to streamline communications, provide leadership opportunities, and to optimize partner networks.

Career Development

Career Coaching Services: Attorney Development offers in-house career development services including the opportunities to assess your skills, draft a personal career development plan, seek additional opportunities for growth and mentorship, map your path to partnership or in-house counsel options, develop a networking strategy, and update your resume.

In-house Counsel Job Opportunities: The online system serves as a clearinghouse for in-house counsel positions and allows Associates to confidentially search potential opportunities.

Performance Management

Attorney Development is responsible for developing, enhancing, and continuously improving the performance management process for attorneys. Associates are given valuable performance feedback aligned with individual professional development goals not only during the annual review period, but frequently throughout the year. The firm is committed to rewarding Associates with top-tier market compensation, and recognizing performance through a merit-based bonus program.

"At Paul Hastings, our success is determined by the people we pay, not the people who pay us. Our commitment is to convert top-tier talent into exceptional lawyers. The complete Paul Hastings experience will provide you with invaluable learning and growth that will positively impact your professional life.” -- Siobhain McCarthy, Ed.D., Director of Attorney Development

Rankings

• Paul Hastings Soars in Chambers USA 2008 Rankings, Chambers USA 2008

  Paul Hastings earns high ranks in the Vault Guide to the Top 100 Law Firms, 2008 Edition

  Paul Hastings Attorneys Recognized as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Northern California, Southern California, Georgia, Illinois, New York and Washington, D.C.