Innovative Title Structure Linked with MBA-Level Executive Training, Career Coaching, and Personal Enrichment Opportunities
Chicago – Sidley is pleased to announce that its new associate leadership and executive development program, a professional development model uniquely designed to help associates become world-class, business-savvy lawyers, will start on January 1, 2022.
The program will deepen associates’ business acumen and leadership abilities, in addition to other boardroom and business development skills. It features MBA-level executive training at top business schools along with professional development and personal career coaching opportunities. The goal is to train client-focused lawyers who are boardroom- and business-savvy. The program provides new career milestones, including promotions with enhanced titles and development opportunities tailored to complement the specific skills required at each stage of an associate’s career path.
“We want our associates to have the opportunity to advance their careers and credentials through world-class executive training. In addition to our competitive compensation, we will continue to invest in our associates and clients by providing, and paying for, MBA-level executive training at top universities,” said Yvette Ostolaza, chair-elect of Sidley’s Management Committee and global co-leader of Sidley’s Litigation group. “At the same time, we recognize that our clients value lawyers who understand big-picture business issues and how those impact their legal matters. We see an opportunity to prepare our associates to rise to the challenges our clients face in an increasingly complex and dynamic global market. The career coaching is an added way to have our associates chart their own path whether they choose to stay with us for the rest of their careers, or become a leader at a client or in their communities.”
From years four through eight, Sidley associates will have the opportunity to participate in professional development and enrichment opportunities. These include external executive leadership programs at top global business schools like Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, The University of Chicago, and Northwestern; two internal executive leadership academies focused on business, client, and professional skills; a choice of hands-on group service projects developed with select nonprofit legal and community organizations, including bar associations, veterans organizations, hospitals, food pantries, shelters, or faith-based service organizations, supplemented by civic leadership training; and personal career and business development coaching with professional coaches.
“The Sidley program is a key part of our comprehensive approach to associate development and well-being. We are committed to providing our associates with the resources and training necessary to help them become the best possible version of their professional selves over the long term – this program directly responds to their desire for development and leadership opportunities,” said Michael Schmidtberger, chair of the firm’s Executive Committee.
Career milestones that more frequently and proactively recognize the increasing levels of responsibility expected at each stage of an associate’s career are reflected by new titles at the start of the fourth and seventh years of practice, Managing Associate or Senior Managing Associate, respectively. Professional development opportunities for each level are tailored to the skills needed to build long-term professional success.
“We are confident that our program will provide a strong foundation as a talent incubator and career launchpad not only for the beginning of an associate’s career, but also for their mid-level and senior associate years when they develop the skills and experience that Sidley and our clients find especially valuable, as well as a source of future in-house talent for our clients,” said Larry Barden, chair of the firm’s Management Committee.
With 2,000 lawyers in 20 offices around the globe, Sidley is a premier legal adviser for clients across the spectrum of industries. Follow Sidley on Twitter @SidleyLaw.
Matt Messinger, Senior Manager, Public Relations, +1 312 456 4009
Attorney Advertising - Sidley Austin LLP, One South Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60603, +1 312 853 7000. Sidley and Sidley Austin refer to Sidley Austin LLP and affiliated partnerships as explained at www.sidley.com/disclaimer.
