Associate Development

Sheppard Mullin looks for new associates who have the determination, integrity, and intellectual and personal traits needed to become outstanding practicing lawyers. Associates who possess these traits typically demonstrate them by achieving high standing within their law school classes and by showing willingness to assume responsibility and strong motivation. 

We hire new associates with the expectation that each has the capacity to become a partner at Sheppard Mullin.  In addition to our extensive training programs, we staff all legal matters so that junior associates are given a substantial amount of responsibility and guidance, and have significant client contact at an early stage. Associates also gain experience in firm administration by serving on in-house committees such as the Associates' Forum and the Pro Bono, Work-Life Balance, Diversity, Recruiting, and Summer Associate Committees.

Associates are formally evaluated twice during their first year, and are reviewed each December thereafter. Associates are then asked to draft or update their Performance and Development Plan (PDP), which they discuss and revise as necessary with their Partner Advisor.  Annual preparation of a PDP enables an associate to focus on a strategy for the continuous development of his or her practice.  The ultimate goal of the process is to help guide our associates to success.