Hughes Hubbard is committed to the professional growth and development of our attorneys. Upon arrival, each new associate is assigned a partner and an associate advisor. The training program for new associates includes dozens of seminars and workshops dealing with such topics as research techniques, litigating and negotiating skills, professional ethics, pro bono opportunities, and the Firm’s standards and traditions. Through professional and training activities, we seek to help each new associate adjust to the Firm and our practice rapidly and effectively.
We seek to staff our matters in a way that provides learning opportunities for associates. Generally, the number of lawyers working on a matter is relatively small so that junior associates work closely with partners. Care is taken to give the associate an overview of the matter and an opportunity to see the particular project through to its conclusion. Each associate gains increased responsibilities as quickly as his or her professional development allows. Over the past several years, we have increased our representation of clients in smaller matters to provide associates with greater opportunities for front-line experience.
Close attention is given to the progress of each associate throughout his or her career at Hughes Hubbard. In addition to comments relayed in the course of an assignment, each associate receives formal evaluations from our Personnel Committee. At least once each year, this committee collects individual evaluations of each associates’ performance. Members of the committee then meet with each associate individually to provide a candid assessment of his or her progress with regard to quality of performance and personal development. Associates are encouraged to give any comments or criticism they may have regarding work or life at the Firm, and our Associates’ Committee serves to facilitate such communication.
The periodic evaluations by the Personnel Committee also are the foundation for merit salary increases, bonuses and consideration for partnership. We believe that associates who have excelled in their work should receive commensurate rewards. There is no set period of time for admission to membership in the Firm, but associates are considered for partnership after eight years.