The Center for Women in Law (CWIL) kicked off 2017 with the launch of an innovative program that aims to bridge the gap between law school and practice for new attorneys. CWIL partnered with 13 Texas law firms that brought together 35 women lawyers for the inaugural class of Accelerate: First-Year Associates.
The year-long program creates a unique opportunity for women lawyers to gain a support network that actively guides them through the transition from high-achieving law students to high-performing lawyers. In addition, law firms will gain insights into the first-year women lawyers experiences and conclusions regarding best practices for on-ramping first-year lawyers.
The program began on January 9 at Texas Law where Accelerate Class of 2017 participated in a full day of training on growth mindset, the business of law, effective communication and building internal and external networks. The program will continue until December 2017 with CWIL facilitating follow-up roundtable meetings in Austin, Houston, and Dallas where Accelerate Class of 2017 will navigate their first-year together. The groups will discuss challenges, identify solutions, and receive real-time mentoring and guidance from their colleagues and CWIL staff.
The 13 law firms participating in the Accelerate pilot program are: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP; Alston & Bird LLP; DLA Piper LLP; Haynes and Boone, LLP; Jackson Lewis P.C.; Jones Day; Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP; Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; Reed Smith LLP; Winston & Strawn LLP; Sidley Austin LLP; Thompson & Knight LLP; and Vinson & Elkins LLP.
If you are interested in learning more about the program, contact CWIL Deputy Director Courtney Chavez at cchavez@law.utexas.edu.