To succeed in today's market our lawyers need not only highly tuned legal expertise but also well-developed commercial thinking, emotional intelligence and business development acumen. Our extensive array of career development programmes therefore have a strong commercial/client relationship focus.
We take pride in the development of our employees and partners and to support their progression we have implemented a global Career Development Framework (CDF). The framework maps out the essential competencies required of all fee earners across all levels in the firm. We provide an extensive programme of legal training, designed specifically to support our core sectors.
We recognise people learn in different ways and employ a range of blended learning methodologies to deliver the core curriculum learning, including classroom-based training, e-learning, coaching, audio/video resources, learning guides and team development away days.
MyDevelopment, the firm's global Learning Management System, provides a range of best practice on-line learning resources that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. MyDevelopment allows our lawyers and support staff to achieve their personal and professional goals which in turn assists the firm to achieve its international development goals.
Our newly qualified lawyers attend an extensive induction programme which includes topics such as the firm's expectations of them post qualification, and further personal development designed to assist them in making an effective contribution within their practice areas. It is equally important for lateral hires to be briefed as soon as possible and ensure their development objectives are identified and supported.
Our Career Development Review discussions focus on identifying SMART business objectives, the opportunity to discuss career progression opportunities and to provide honest, developmental feedback. Regular informal feedback discussions enable our lawyers to develop the right blend of skills, knowledge and behaviours in real time.
The firm places a strong emphasis on talent management. High performers showing potential are invited to attend high value programmes such as the Business Development Academy, the Advanced Development Centre and the Senior Leadership Programme.
Since 2013 the firm's Diversity Action Group has been charged by the Board with addressing two issues deemed business critical: gender imbalance in senior roles and improved cultural diversity at intake. We are always keen to recognise and promote talent from within and look to provide opportunities for our top performing senior associates to go on to become legal directors / senior counsel and partnership.