Carlton Fields places a high priority on the training and supervision of its lawyers. The firm emphasizes professional development from the beginning of a lawyer’s tenure. We also make available in-house training programs and continuing legal education for all lawyers through all levels of experience and seniority.
Mentor Program
Carlton Fields’ Mentor Program was recognized in the 2002 American Lawyer Survey of Mid-Level Associates as tied for #1 in the nation.
Carlton Fields has always placed a high priority on the training and development of its lawyers. We recognize that while law schools place great emphasis on teaching the law, and it is the firm's responsibility to teach the actual practice of law. In addition to providing legal training, it is the firm's responsibility to help each attorney develop a sense of job satisfaction and loyalty to the firm, integrate attorneys into the profession, the community and the firm, and enhance their overall professional development. The firm’s mentoring program is intended to accomplish these goals.
Specific training and development plans are created for each associate at the firm with the individual attorney’s mentor. Each first-year and lateral associate is initially assigned a 'provisional' mentor. This mentor assists the associate in obtaining a broad range of assignments and provides evaluation and advice. All associates and new laterals are assigned a mentor prior to there start date with the firm.
We recognize that associates at different levels of experience have different needs, and the program is designed to accommodate these differences. For example, first year associates need to be introduced to the firm and its attorneys, become integrated socially into the firm, and receive legal skills training. The emphasis for second and third year associates should be skills training, and the focus for fourth through seventh year associates should be professional development, including business development skills.
Associate Evaluation and Feedback
The firm is committed to providing effective feedback to associates. Annual performance appraisal interviews are conducted with each associate, and senior attorneys give constructive feedback to associates on an ongoing basis.
Lawyers also provide monthly written evaluations on work projects for first-year lawyers and new lateral associates. An assigned attorney also reviews the written work of new associates on an ongoing basis during their first year in practice.
New Attorney Orientation
The firm conducts a comprehensive two-day firm wide New Attorney Orientation for all new associates and associates who have joined us laterally. Programs include:
- The History of Carlton Fields
- Firm Culture and Vision
- Functioning as a Lawyer
- Managing Your Practice
- Effective Timekeeping and Billing Practices
- How to Get Involved in Pro Bono and Civic Activities
- Managing Your Professional Development
- Professionalism
- What the Firm’s Technology Can Do for You
- Introduction to Marketing
Associate Acceleration Program
In certain circumstances, we believe that it is appropriate to advance an associate at an accelerated pace. These associates will be compensated at a higher level than other associates in their law school class and will be advanced along the firm’s seven year shareholder track.
The criteria for an associate to be considered for the Acceleration Program include:
- exceptional skills and competencies beyond associate class year for the specific practice
- prior related work or business experience or advanced degree which directly benefit the firm and its clients
- a maturity and professional demeanor that serve to enhance the confidence of clients and lawyers in the associate’s abilities
We try to recruit the best and brightest lawyers to our firm and we believe we do. The Acceleration Program is one means of helping us retain exceptional attorneys for the future success of the law firm.