Careers: Attorney Training & Mentoring

The primary purpose of the Associate Mentoring and Development Program is to give new lawyers the practical training, development opportunities, and personal attention they need to succeed at Ruder Ware.  We are dedicated to providing quality professional training to help all of our employees succeed in their new careers.  In this program, mentors will assist new lawyers in their transition to Ruder Ware. 

Our training begins with a review of basic skills and an introduction to firm-wide policies and procedures.  All of our departments have established a comprehensive training program customized for each new attorney.  Each department identifies the skills their attorneys need, and communicates with the firm to see that proper training is provided.  Our HR Department then coordinates necessary training and provides our new employees with an easy-to-manage training schedule.  Once initial training is complete, our new attorneys are assigned a mentor to assist them with day-to-day assignments and workload.

Training and Orientation Schedules
Our training and orientation schedules vary slightly depending on the position. Each schedule is designed to highlight the skills the new employee will need to be successful in their new career.  Our orientation begins with an introduction to all employees of the firm along with a tour of the facility.  Next, individual meetings are scheduled with key personnel in various departments including Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Accounting, Office Services, and Library Resources.  Once the initial orientation is complete and the new employees have a good understanding of the overall internal functions of the firm, in-depth computer resources training is scheduled.  Each new employee is offered several hours of one-on-one training, concentrating on the programs and resources that will be most useful to them.

Attorney Mentors
All new employees are assigned a mentor when they join the firm.  The functions of the mentor vary depending on the position, however, the general functions are the same.  Our mentors are senior members of the firm whose years of experience can offer great insight to becoming successful in your new career.  The role of the mentor is to help the new employee build a strong working relationship with other employees.  They will also interact with other departments on a regular basis so they can become familiar with the work flow and client base in all departments.  The mentor will be available to review work product, manage work load and assignments, and coordinate meetings with clients, when applicable.