Teach Your Associates Sound Management Skills

Historically, the focus on training law firm associates was centered around core skills thought to be necessary to successfully perform as an associate. Most early career training tends to be focused on refining such skills as writing ability, attention to detail, analytical ability, and verbal presentation skills. Given the radical transformation the practice of law has been going through, and the likelihood that the nature of the practice will continue to dramatically evolve, teaching old-line core skills is simply insufficient to give associates the tools they will need to succeed. Because most law schools give little to no training in any management skills, if law firms are to succeed in the new paradigm, careful consideration should be given to incorporating basic management skills training into each new lawyer's career planning process.