Formal training at the firm begins with new associate orientation, which is designed to give new associates an introduction to the various dimensions of the firm’s practice. The training program continues after the initial orientation with the goal of developing the skills and knowledge base that associates need to succeed both within the firm and in interactions with other firms and clients. Richards Layton provides in-house training programs on topics such as legal writing, negotiating, interpreting financial statements and valuing companies. For some training programs, the firm brings in outside consultants and speakers; other programs take advantage of the expertise of the firm’s lawyers.
Richards Layton also offers training programs that relate directly to work in each of the firm’s departments. For example, in the Corporate Department, the training program includes presentations on discovery and deposition practice, advising boards of directors on the use of special committees, structuring business combinations, and hostile takeovers and defensive techniques. The Business Department training program focuses on important practical elements of transactional practice, such as preparing legal opinions and advising clients, as well as topics relating to transactional work with alternative entities. The Bankruptcy and Corporate Restructuring Department has held seminars, such as programs addressing debtor-in-possession financing. The Litigation Department holds frequent breakfast meetings at which associates give presentations, often using materials prepared with the assistance of the firm’s litigation support staff, on matters pertinent to litigating in Delaware’s courts.
Training and Development
In addition to the firm’s in-house training program, Richards Layton encourages associates to participate in a variety of continuing legal education programs sponsored by the American Bar Association, the Delaware State Bar Association and other providers of legal education. These programs offer the added benefit of allowing our associates to develop contacts with lawyers from around the country, and to interact with and learn from some of the leading lawyers in the world.
Pro Bono and Public Service
We encourage our attorneys to become involved in charitable organizations, pro bono legal work and governmental or political service. Our lawyers serve as guardians involved in child welfare proceedings, help victims of domestic violence in securing protection from abuse orders, and assist people in drafting wills. In addition to offering their legal or advocacy skills, some of our associates coach youth basketball teams and work with youth groups in local places of worship. There is ample opportunity for our lawyers to give back to the community, and we promote their service.
The Mentor System
After one year at the firm, each associate is matched with a director of the associate’s choice who acts as that associate’s mentor. The mentor meets regularly with the mentee, providing the associate with feedback and identifying opportunities for the associate’s professional development. Associates at the firm are also paired with a director in the same department who coordinates the associate’s work. These pairings are changed annually so that an associate can develop relationships with many of the directors in his or her department over the years. This also helps our associates gain a wide variety of work experience and professional skills that come from exposure to different lawyers with different styles and different areas of expertise.
Departmental Rotations
At the end of the first or second year of employment, an entry-level associate may request rotation to another department or practice group. These requests are honored, although the needs of the firm may sometimes require that the rotation be postponed to a later date.
Partnership and Alternatives
Because Richards Layton is a corporation, what is commonly referred to as partnership track is, in our firm, referred to as eligibility for membership in the firm. Associates are first considered for membership after eight years with the firm. The firm also offers a variety of alternative work arrangements for our lawyers. Some of these are on a limited-time or part-time basis; some are full time but with a defined expectation of work hours. Some offer a position of seniority and advanced responsibility but without many of the burdens and expectations of full membership in the firm. We have found that flexibility in work arrangements is one of the keys to productive and loyal attorneys.
Technology
In addition to the state-of-the-art computer technology provided to all of the firm’s attorneys, Richards Layton provides Blackberries for attorneys, and laptops are available for attorneys who need one for business travel. Further, the firm allows remote access to the firm’s computer network from each attorney’s home computer, for research, communications, document drafting and other work while the attorney is out of the office.
Richards, Layton & Finger combines a unique environment for practicing law with exceptional opportunities for professional and personal growth. The firm offers a positive work environment for our employees, building camaraderie among attorneys and staff through participation in lawyer league softball, firm social events and firm trips to concerts, theater productions and art exhibits. Richards Layton also places a premium on associate training, geared toward encouraging each associate’s development and advancement.