We offer an informal and collegial working environment that is accommodating to the individuality of our lawyers. We encourage new lawyers who so wish to pursue their interests in a number of different practice areas in order to gain broad experience as a foundation for the development of sound legal judgment and superior lawyering skills. The timing and degree of specialization of a lawyer's practice depend to a large extent on the individual case. We believe we can best serve the changing needs of our clients with lawyers of broad-based experience who possess the willingness and ability to be flexible in their practice. In a constantly changing legal environment, it is important for our lawyers to develop the confidence and creativity to practice with ease and effectiveness in a variety of areas. As a lawyer's experience increases, the lawyer is expected to assume increasing responsibilities in chosen areas of interest.
Associates who wish to specialize in a particular practice area early in their career with us are encouraged to do so. Many lawyers begin their careers focusing on a specific area of expertise and continue to work in their field of law becoming recognized legal experts in the field.
Lawyers who practice in the same area meet frequently within the framework of the practice groups to participate in training programmes and to exchange information about work in process, client development efforts and new legal developments. In keeping with our overall style, these training sessions and practice group meetings are informal and attendance is not restricted to those actively engaged in the practice area. Although many lawyers participate in several different practice groups, we emphasize the development of a high level of expertise in areas of the law where specialization is necessary.