Professional Development Program - University Stinson

In the fall of 2010, the firm announced the rollout of University Stinson, the firm's new comprehensive professional and career development program, combining substantive legal skills training with practical skills and career development training.

University Stinson's curriculum is designed to establish, implement and institutionalize ongoing associate training and firm-wide professional development programs for all attorneys. University Stinson's goal is for all  Stinson attorneys to continue their education and professional growth by attending programming and tracking progress during the course of their careers.

Stinson supports every attorney in continued growth in substantive expertise and career development. University Stinson offers specialized or advanced programs in substantive areas of the law, as the firm's division chairs, client needs or business climates indicate. These programs will continue to fulfill attorneys' obligations for continuing legal education.

MAJOR COMPONENTS OF UNIVERSITY STINSON

Lawyering Institute
University Stinson supports associates' development at the outset of their practice experience. All new attorneys, including laterals, will participate in the Lawyering Institute, a one-and-a-half day professional development program that is the first level of training offered as part of  University Stinson. The Institute covers the firm's Traditions in Excellence, and includes topics such as the transition to law practice, time management, working with partners, working with staff and client development.

Practice Development
Supporting life-long learning in substantive legal areas, University Stinson provides:

• Core Series Training: Following the Lawyering Institute, University Stinson will provide all associates a core curriculum of basic lawyering skills within their practice areas. Several topics are of universal relevance, but most topics are part of the Core Litigation Series Training or the Core Transactional Series Training. Focused training is also provided at the practice division level. All associates are required to participate in this core curriculum during their first three years of practice.
• Specialized/Advanced Training: Programs are offered for more experienced attorneys on specialized and advanced substantive legal areas. Many of these programs meet continuing education requirements for our attorneys.

Career Development
To facilitate career-long development and growth in the legal profession, University Stinson also includes:

• Advising/Mentoring: Each new associate is assigned an associate advisor to assist in the associate's integration into the firm. Associates with three or fewer years of practice experience are assigned a partner mentor. Advisors and mentors help educate associates on the general practice of law and firm policies.
• Associate Evaluations: Evaluations occur annually and are a critical tool in aligning an associate's growth and development with firm values and strategic direction.
• Community Involvement: We encourage all our attorneys to participate in leadership and community events and support them in their endeavors.
• Diversity: The firm values the many benefits of an inclusive law firm. Programming recognizing the benefits of inclusion and encouraging diversity is offered firm-wide.

Additional programs include:

• Success in Lawyering: The firm offers support beyond training on substantive legal skills. We offer programming to strengthen our attorneys' development in practical areas such as time management, client development and professionalism.
• Path to Partnership: The three-part series offers an open and honest dialogue about what it takes to become a partner at Stinson. The program explores the firm's policies and resources for becoming a partner, the economic realities of partnership, goal setting, career path flexibility and expectations.
• Pro Bono: Programming introduces associates to the value of pro bono work and community services in their career development. 
• Quarterly Associate Meetings: Meetings with firm management give associates an opportunity to ask questions and discuss a variety of firm matters.