Our practice groups work with a network of associate development managers (ADMs) whose singular aim is ensuring the success of each and every associate. Our ADMs work with associate development partners to help associates manage work assignments, respond to growth opportunities, and build their networks within their practice groups and the firm. Additionally, on day one, your ADM will work with you to ensure that you are integrated into the practice group not only in your respective office, but across the firm.

Many of our partnership track associates in Hong Kong and Shanghai started their careers in non-partnership track positions as legal consultants, international associates and legal managers. Legal consultants, international associates and legal managers are fully embedded within practice groups and work alongside partnership track associates and partners on deal teams and litigation matters.

We offer a strong and growing career associate program in nearly every office and practice group. Career associates are not on the partnership track and have a lower billable-hours target. Depending on the needs of the practice group, it may be possible for lawyers to be promoted to a higher level as a career associate, or to move between the career program and the partnership track.

We understand that there are times in everyone’s career where flexible scheduling is needed, so we’re committed to helping our lawyers achieve professional success while also providing flexibility. Our Flex program allows our lawyers to benefit from flexible work arrangements to meet their—and the firm’s—needs.

As an international firm, we encourage our lawyers to have a truly global mindset and to seek an understanding of how cultural differences can inform client decisions. To aid them in this endeavor, our GO (Global Opportunities) Program gives lawyers a chance to immerse themselves in a new culture or city by working in one of our 12 offices worldwide on a temporary or permanent basis. 

During the course of their career, many of our lawyers work in-house at a client’s offices, gaining a unique, firsthand view of the client’s business needs and perspectives. These experiences enhance our lawyers’ development, and help them develop skills and experience that enable them to be successful both while working at the client and when they return to the firm.