|
Truth in Advertising. These three words
certainly apply to Wildman Harrold's Associates' Committee. Some law firms do
not even have a committee specifically designed to address issues affecting
associates. Many law firms have such a committee, but it is comprised of
partners and associates and, quite often, run by partners (a Partners/Associates
Committee, if you will).
In
contrast, our Associates Committee is exactly what it says it is. All the
members of the Committee are associates, and it is run by associates.
"Associates are the future leaders of our firm," says Managing
Partner Bob Shuftan. "They are
in a unique position, often the best position, to provide input, perspective
and leadership on issues which impact their long-term careers and day-to-day
lives. When we reorganized our firm management structure a few years ago we
decided the best time for them to assume that leadership opportunity was right
away. By providing associates with the authority and structure to understand
this role, we reaffirm their importance without our firm's management and
future."
Christopher Douglass, a member of the firm's Business Transactions department, has been an attorney at Wildman Harrold since 2001 and Co-chairperson since February 2008. John Luburic, a member of the firm's Litigation department, has been an attorney at Wildman Harrold since 2006 and Co-chairperson since February 2008. At present, the Committee consists of eight associates.
At the end of each year, the Committee sends out an extensive Associates Retention Survey that asks questions about everything from satisfaction with the quality of life and work at the firm to expectations about making partner. The results of the survey are published and help shape the Committee's agenda. "The Committee members try and keep a finger on the pulse of the associates," Christopher says. "We try to do a lot of informal asking/surveying of associates and partners throughout the year. A lot of people approach members directly with questions, ideas, and opinions."
|
