At Bell Nunnally, we hire only those attorneys we hope will become partners one day. Because we intend to form long-term relationships with our associates, we are committed to providing them the experience and training they need to achieve their highest potential. To that end, we have created an associate training program consisting of the following components.
Luncheon Training Seminars
We hold regularly scheduled luncheon seminars featuring speakers from inside and outside of the firm on engaging and substantive topics that build our team’s legal and business skills. Topics include all aspects of developing a successful practice, including identifying and avoiding conflicts of interest, conducting the first client interview and meeting, the ethics of negotiation, latest developments in legal research tools and document management systems, and many other topics.
Practical Skills Training
Associates participate in practice development exercises, such as taking and defending depositions, working with expert witnesses and practicing trial skills. These interactive sessions are conducted in a positive way to allow associates to cut their teeth before a sympathetic audience whose members will provide them with helpful feedback and suggestions. This way, associates feel more confident and prepared when they actually appear in front of opposing counsel or judge.
Mentoring
Each associate is assigned a supervising partner who will serve as a mentor and sounding board. We periodically rotate the assignments to make certain all are exposed to a variety of practice styles and approaches. We consider the associate’s practice area interests when making these assignments and balance those interests with providing a well-rounded training experience.