Clients choose Davis Wright Tremaine for the same reason lawyers do: because we encourage lawyers to build long-term relationships with one another and with their clients. The commitment to custom-tailor our work and service model to deliver great client experiences distinguishes us in the market.
We take the same approach to building careers. We work closely with associates on developing their work and client base, with thoughtful orientation, mentoring and professional development.
Orientation and mentoring
We know that the transition from law school to law firm can be stressful. Our orientation and mentoring programs help smooth the transition.
Each fall, we bring all first-year associates together for a three-day orientation program covering firm management, associate policies, law firm economics, time management, practice development and other topics to help develop your professional skills. This is also a great opportunity to meet colleagues from other offices and practice groups. For a year after the orientation, we provide monthly training sessions that allow for ongoing dialogue between associates and our professional development team.
Our mentoring program matches associates with mentors from their practice groups and provides training, development plans and scheduled check-ins. Mentoring relationships are rewarding for both parties, says Ingrid Brydolf, a health care attorney in Portland. "Mentoring is an opportunity for me to talk with attorneys who have new and different perspectives," says Ingrid. "While I hope that they will benefit from some of my experiences or insights, I know that I learn from the issues that they bring to our discussions. My mentees remind me of past challenges and prompt me to consider new challenges that I should tackle. They also help me realize when I should turn to others to mentor me."
Professional development
We encourage associates to explore their career interests and the opportunities available to them firmwide. New associates are given significant responsibility and many opportunities for challenging work and client development at an early stage. Associate Minh Ngo says her experience as a first-year associate confirmed that she had made the right decision coming to Davis Wright Tremaine. “Not only was I given challenging work right from the beginning,” says Minh, “but the firm has also provided me with the encouragement and support to meet these challenges with confidence and skill."
Our lawyers’ entrepreneurial spirit helps us anticipate new client needs, as best evidenced by practice groups that emerge and evolve in response to business, legal and technological changes. Our attorneys have done ground-breaking work in numerous fields, and you will have opportunities to do the same.
When it comes to continuing education, our attorneys tailor their own development paths, whether it’s through external CLE offerings or programs conducted by our practice groups. The firm supports memberships and leadership involvement in state bar associations and committees, minority-oriented professional associations and organizations serving our clients’ industries.
See the Professional Development page for more information.
Partnership track
Our partnership track is seven and a half years. Recognizing that individuals develop professionally at different rates, the admission period may be longer or shorter as appropriate.
All equity partners vote on the admission of new partners, based on factors such as integrity, trust and professional responsibility, client development, production and participation in bar, civic and charitable organizations.
Learn more about our firm
Please explore the Diversity, Community Involvement and Pro Bono sections to learn more about our team and our community involvement.
Openings/how to apply |