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Midsize Law Firm Makes Big-Firm Commitment To Litigation Training for Associates
Bass, Berry & Sims PLC Provides Rare Trial Practice for Younger Lawyers
Nashville, Tenn., August 18, 2009 – Bass, Berry & Sims PLC recently completed its first associate litigation training program, culminating in full-scale mock jury trials at Vanderbilt University Law School.
The firm also took an unusual step by posting examples of the training sessions, including opening statements, direct examinations, and closing arguments, on YouTube. (Visit http://www.youtube.com/user/bassberry.)
The six-month program, spearheaded by attorneys Michael Dagley and Overton Thompson, was designed to provide associates with direct litigation, trial advocacy, and jury persuasion experience. The goal of the training, planned as a regular event, is to prepare associates to become first-chair trial lawyers early in their careers-- a client-service strategy to provide quality service at non-senior rates.
“Our firm is committed to investing time and resources for training on a scale that we believe has only previously been accomplished by larger firms,” said Dagley. “Even at many larger firms, few associates can expect to try cases, much less serve as first-chair.”
“For us, the benefits are many,” added Dagley. “We gain real competitive advantages by sharing knowledge and experience with a new generation of top attorneys, but we are also better positioned to provide superior client service by building more diverse trial teams.”
The firm’s program, in which senior attorneys acted as judges, centered on a mock case called BMI v. Minicom, a classic breach of contract case first devised by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. The trials also provided training for the firm’s summer associates, who acted as jurors.
“The litigation training program has been an invaluable experience for me as a first year associate,” said attorney Allyn Rubright. “The training seminars provided us with the basics as well as the advice and guidance of one of our own experienced trial attorneys, and the workshops gave us a chance to try our hand at litigating, and to improve our speaking and communication skills each week. By the end of the mock jury trials, I felt more comfortable presenting a case in court than I did going into the program. I realize that becoming a successful trial attorney takes years of experience, but when it comes time for my first full trial, I will face it with greater confidence having this course, a bench trial and a jury trial behind me. I feel fortunate to be a part of a firm that so values nurturing the skills of its young associates.”
About Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
With more than 200 attorneys representing numerous publicly-traded companies and Fortune 500 businesses, Bass, Berry & Sims PLC has been involved in some of the largest and most significant business transactions and litigation matters in the country. For more information, visit www.bassberry.com.
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CONTACT: Edward Bowen
615-259-6447
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