Washington Lawyer - July/August 2024 - 19

FEATURE
tation that guides new lawyers through the firm's practices and programs,
connects them with partners and firm leaders, and teaches them
the day-to-day basics of practice like logging billable hours and taking
on assignments.
A key focus for Blank Rome is visibility, says Wright. During the pandemic,
junior attorneys were working largely in isolation, and while they were
growing their substantive legal skills, they were lagging in the social and
relationship-building capabilities needed to succeed.
To combat this, the firm strives for a " culture of connectivity, " adopting
a hybrid schedule upon a return to the office and taking a personal approach
- checking in
with individual attorneys,
encouraging them to
knock on one another's
doors to have chats and
lunches together, and
hosting office events.
" It's [about] understanding
that you can develop
work and relationships
when you're visible in
the office, " says Wright.
At Blank Rome, new attorneys
are paired with
a career development
advisor, an experienced
attorney who can answer
their questions, help
establish connections,
and show them the
ropes of practice.
Sabrina Rubis, who joined Blank Rome in October 2022, says the New
Associate Academy was a " catapult " for her career, helping to get her
footing in the firm. After attending the academy, Rubis was placed with
a cohort of new attorneys to work on general litigation matters, giving
the group " a chance to grow together. "
Blank Rome's commitment to pro bono service was also key for Rubis in
gaining valuable, real-world experience. All attorneys at the firm are required
to contribute at least 25 hours of pro bono work each year, with
an aspirational goal of 75 hours or more.
Three months after joining the firm, Rubis took on a pro bono case with
another junior attorney, working with Legal Aid DC to represent a victim
of domestic violence who was fighting for custody of her child. " We
went through all the motions of representing her in court, and I had my
first experience of standing in front of a judge to advocate on her behalf, "
says Rubis, who is the first in her family to become a lawyer.
The case ended favorably for the client. " It was something I was really
proud of, " Rubis says. " I was so nervous, but we ended up getting a great
outcome for the client. "
At every step of the way, Rubis says Blank Rome provided her strong support
and resources, making sure that her case was manageable and that
she felt prepared to tackle the work. " They really do equip you with the
skills that you need to not only grow in a professional capacity, but [also]
personally, " says Rubis.
BUYING INTO THE FIRM'S FUTURE
Heather Pearson, a health care regulatory associate at Bass, Berry & Sims
PLC, says that from day one, her firm was invested in her growth and
success. " This was a conversation right from the get-go, " says Pearson.
" I never felt like I had to wait to build the legal career of my dreams. "
Joining the firm in September 2022, Pearson says that while the pandemic
shifted the traditional law firm paradigm, it presented new possibilities
for new attorneys. " Some
lament this change, but
I think it is a really incredible
opportunity to get in
at the ground floor of
shaping the new firm
work culture, " she says.
With more than 350 attorneys
in Tennessee and
Washington, D.C., Bass,
Berry & Sims takes an intentional
approach to hybrid
work, ensuring that
lawyers can be remote
without fear of missing
out on opportunities or
feeling siloed, according
to Pearson. Overseeing
efforts to integrate incoming
junior attorneys
across the firm's offices is
a professional development team that provides training, mentorship opportunities,
and a collegial environment.
" We're on the same team, and we want the same goals, " says Pearson.
" They're buying into me like I'm buying into them. "
For example, the firm was receptive toward Pearson's request to join the
Associates Committee, which promotes junior attorney involvement in
the firm by opening a communications channel to senior partners and
firm leaders to provide feedback.
" It's a good opportunity to go around, check in with my colleagues, and
ask, 'Alright, what's going on, what can I bring up? What challenges are
you facing?' " says Pearson.
Among the issues the committee sought to address was how best to
connect junior associates with experienced attorneys who work in different
offices or have varying levels of responsiveness. The committee has
also engaged the firm's professional development team to help new attorneys
get on partners' calendars. " [This] takes away some of that awkwardness "
of reaching out to a partner, Pearson says.
Pearson advises junior attorneys to lean in and take an active role in firm
committees or seize other internal opportunities. " You have more control
in contributing to the culture and future of the firm than you may think, "
says Pearson.
JULY/AUGUST 2024 * WASHINGTON LAWYER 19
Washington Lawyer - July/August 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Washington Lawyer - July/August 2024
