At Faegre Baker Daniels, we support the development of the whole lawyer through each stage of a lawyer's career. Through tailored programming and coaching, we focus on key skill sets for all lawyers, and create timely programming around current topics and trends. We place a heavy emphasis on practice skill development, understanding the business of operating a law firm, performance management, business development, and client service – all critical to success in today's law firm.
Orientation
When you join the firm, you'll participate in a firm-wide orientation program presented by key members of the firm to help you integrate into the firm and understand law firm life. In addition to covering basic topics such as benefits and technology, we hold panel discussions and lunch meetings covering a wide range of topics, such as working with support professionals and the basics of lawyering, so you can hit the ground running.
Feedback & Evaluation
Faegre Baker Daniels values the importance of feedback. Supervising lawyers are encouraged to offer feedback throughout the year. Through our formal evaluation process, new lawyers are evaluated mid-year during their first year at our firm. In addition, all lawyers are reviewed annually. Evaluations include an annual report, written by the lawyer, individual and group evaluations, and an in-person evaluation meeting with the lawyer's practice group.
Mentoring & Coaching
Each associate brings a unique set of skills and life experiences to Faegre Baker Daniels. Our mentoring and coaching program is designed to develop those skills and provide the foundation for a lawyer's long and successful career in private practice.
While our associates receive substantial guidance and mentoring in the course of working on client teams with more senior lawyers, we do not leave mentoring and coaching to chance. We offer programs that provide associates support, guidance and resources throughout their career path toward partnership. Upon joining the firm, each associate is assigned a partner resource. Associates in their first two years of practice are also assigned a more senior associate resource to assist with day-to-day activities of practice at the firm and provide practical advice. The partner mentor focuses on career development and planning. Each partner-associate pair drafts, reviews, and refines an annual written practice development plan for the associate. Associates are expected to participate actively in the mentoring and coaching process, and to communicate their practice goals and objectives to their mentors and coaches.
Training & Development
Faegre Baker Daniels understands the importance of different learning environments. Therefore, as we create programming for our lawyers, we make sure that it also supports various adult learning preferences. We offer programming that encompasses such learning styles such as: small group discussions, traditional classroom lectures, on-demand video recordings, and learn-by-doing programs. Each style offers a unique learning experience for our lawyers.