Overview
New associates are introduced to many areas of the practice. A supervising attorney coordinates client and project assignments. Assignments are designed to balance small matters, in which the associate can assume major personal responsibility with larger projects involving team participation.
This program, together with individual supervision and feedback, is designed to enable the associate to experience the full scope of the firm's practice. Formal progress and performance reviews are conducted semi-annually. Development of an associate's field of specialization, usually during the first year of practice, is a function of the individual's preference and the needs of the firm.
1st Year.
During the first year with our firm, an associate is exposed to a broad range of legal problems. Although there is no formal departmental rotation, an associate receives client and project assignments that are coordinated by a supervising attorney. The assignments are varied and include court appearances, legal research and the drafting of memoranda, pleadings and briefs in litigation matters, and agreements, leases and other types of documentation relating to transactional matters.
A one-week Attorney Training College ("ATC") acquaints new attorneys with Luce Forward's practices and procedures. It provides new associates the opportunity to meet their colleagues from the other offices. During ATC, associates write a letter to a client, negotiate and draft a contract, interview witnesses, take and defend depositions related to the case, and prepare and argue a motion on behalf of the client in a hearing before actual San Diego Superior Court Judges at the San Diego Superior Court.
2nd Year.
As an associate continues to work with our firm, he or she gravitates toward a particular field of specialization. The associate then begins to obtain work directly from attorneys working in the particular substantive area. Although an associate does not formally join a practice group for one year, the associate may choose to develop an area of expertise before that time. While development of an area of specialization is, in part, dictated by the needs of the firm, the firm's size and breadth of practice have generally been sufficient to accommodate an associate's specialization preference.
Training and Development.
The Attorney Education Committee coordinates and sponsors programs of substantive information and interest to all attorneys.
In addition to the practice and supervisory training that occurs in connection with specific client assignments, associate training is accomplished through programs sponsored by practice groups.
Luce Forward has been granted "Approved Provider Status" by the California State Bar and as such may grant continuing legal education credit for courses presented in-house. Attorneys are also encouraged to attend outside seminars sponsored by various continuing education organizations and institutes. Video equipment and tapes of programs originating both inside and outside the firm are available and are frequently utilized in connection with many of the programs presented.
Pro Bono.
The firm encourages attorneys to engage in pro bono activities of their choice while maintaining a reasonable balance of client projects. From time to time the firm itself undertakes major pro bono projects.