An associate’s retreat could be the perfect holiday gift for your new lawyers, and it could pay big dividends for your firm as well.
An associate’s retreat is simply a gathering of lawyers who aren’t partners or equity-holders. They are common in the world of Biglaw, but less so in smaller and mid-size firms. But in this COVID era with lawyers working remotely, it might be just the thing to build camaraderie and enhance productivity.
“At associates’ retreats, many or all of a law firm’s associates gather in one place and undergo trainings, socialize, and connect themselves to their law firm and the other people who worked at a shop,” writes lawyer Jordan Rothman, who attended associate’s retreats at two different firms where he worked before opening his own practice. “For whatever reason, most smaller law firms do not have associates’ retreats like in the world of Biglaw. However, associates’ retreats can be a great experience for associates and can have a number of positive impacts.”
The big plus, says Rothman, is the opportunity to build connections.
“Retreats connect associates with people who work in different offices and connect people with the firm,” writes Rothman for Above the Law. “Social connections forged during such retreats can help associates complete projects with attorneys who work in different offices. It is common for different offices to share tasks on projects, either because a certain practice area is needed to complete the work or because a small office lacks the headcount to complete larger assignments.”
Other benefits: blowing off steam, earning CLE credits, brainstorming ideas for business development, and building loyalty.
Source: Above the Law
The end of the year is a stressful time for everyone, but it’s especially stressful for lawyers and legal professionals. Closing out case matters, completing Q4 financials, shopping for presents, making holiday plans. There never seem to be enough hours in the day to get everything done. The key to easing your stress could be Micro Self-Care. What’s Micro Self-Care? Attend our annual wellness webinar “What is Micro Self-Care and Why Do You Need It?” on December 14 and find out. The presenter, Michael Kahn, is a JD and licensed therapist who concentrates in treating lawyers struggling with stress, depression, substance use disorders, and other career issues. This free, one-hour webinar is the latest in Alta Pro’s ongoing series of cutting-edge legal education programs. Sign up here.
ABA Model Rule 5.1: Responsibilities of a Partner of Supervisory Lawyer
(a) A partner in a law firm, and a lawyer who individually or together with other lawyers possesses comparable managerial authority in a law firm, shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the firm has in effect measures giving reasonable assurance that all lawyers in the firm conform to the Rules of Professional Conduct.
(b) A lawyer having direct supervisory authority over another lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the other lawyer conforms to the Rules of Professional Conduct.
(c) A lawyer shall be responsible for another lawyer’s violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct if:
(1) the lawyer orders or, with knowledge of the specific conduct, ratifies the conduct involved; or
(2) the lawyer is a partner or has comparable managerial authority in the law firm in which the other lawyer practices, or has direct supervisory authority over the other lawyer, and knows of the conduct at a time when its consequences can be avoided or mitigated but fails to take reasonable remedial action.
Source: ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct
If you practice in Wisconsin, Texas, Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana or Michigan, you can stay on top of ethics and risk management news by being a member of Alta Pro Lawyers RPG. You’ll get access to free webinars, the Pro Practice Playbook, Reminger ProLink, Ask the Risk Pro and more. Here’s how to join.
