Professional Development Overview

Professional development is not only a department within the firm, it is an essential component of any attorney's career. Professional development for Winston & Strawn associates is a progression encompassing hands-on training, CLE, work assignments, pro bono experiences, mentoring, feedback and career planning. At Winston, attorneys benefit from a comprehensive suite of offerings including all of these aspects.

Our training approach is strategic and relevant. In 2011, Winston created and implemented the Professional Development Curriculum. The Curriculum aligns its courses to teach the skills, behavior and knowledge expected of associates outlined in Winston & Strawn's Associate Development Framework. The framework is a transparent guide to attorney success at Winston and beyond.

Winston's professional development team is led by a full-time chief attorney development officer with more than 30 years of experience as a lawyer and legal educator. The chief works closely with senior firm management to provide timely and significant training as part of the Professional Development Curriculum.

In the early years of an associate's career at Winston, there is a heavy emphasis on learning substantive legal knowledge. But associates also focus on topics such as persuasive writing, contract drafting, ethics, time management and communication skills which we believe go hand-in-hand with smart lawyering and top-level client service.

As associates progress in their careers, so does the training: mid-level associates learn about matter and case management, relationship building and knowledge management; senior associates master legal project management, team building, and strategic thinking.

In addition to designing and coordinating training, professional development works closely with pro bono counsel to integrate skills-training and work experiences. We assist in the design and orientation of the firm's mentoring program for associates and we counsel attorneys on career development.

While much of the professional development staff concentrates on the many aspects of associate development, we also present continuing legal education programs across all firm offices. The firm is a CLE and CPD accredited provider in many jurisdictions. Professional development staff help attorneys keep track of their CLE and assist them with required compliance and reporting.

When changes in the law have sweeping effects, we hold firm-wide training so attorneys are informed and prepared to advise clients proactively about new issues. We enlist many of our partners to lead classes as they share the know-how and insights that have made them among the most accomplished in the profession. In addition, we regularly have outside experts share their expertise on relevant subjects.

Winston & Strawn knows our biggest asset is our talent so we are committed to the professional development of our attorneys.