New Associates Program

In your first year at the firm, our goal is to provide both the challenging opportunities and the training and support that will enable you to become an accomplished lawyer.

Orientation and Training

The firm places significant emphasis on the training and professional development of its lawyers. New associates participate in both administrative and practice-specific orientations. The administrative orientation is meant to provide you with the resources and practical advice you need to adjust to law firm life. Practice-specific orientations are designed to give you the fundamental skills and substantive knowledge to take significant responsibility for clients and cases early in your career.

Joining a Department

New associates may request a department before joining the firm. Because most offers are extended and accepted well in advance of arrivals, we cannot guarantee an assignment to a specific department. However we make every effort to accommodate your preferences and will advise you shortly before your arrival about your assignment. In most cases, new associates receive their first choice. When that is not possible, we are almost always able to provide an assignment that fits the associate's general preferences.

When you join a department, our goal is to involve you quickly in its work and professional community. Each of the firm’s departments has an assigning partner or a workload committee, often supported by a professional manager who helps to allocate work to account for both our clients’ needs and our associates’ development. Your mentors also are mindful of your mix of work, especially in your first months.

Career Advancement Program

Upon joining WilmerHale, you will be part of our Career Advancement Program.