Bass, Berry & Sims Director of Professional Development Kayla Broom was interviewed for an article in BARBRI about the role of professional development in the legal industry. BARBRI is the largest provider of legal learning solutions for law students, professionals, law schools, universities, law firms, and organizations.
Kayla defined professional development as “the structure, support, and coaching that help lawyers build strong substantive skills alongside judgment, communication, and leadership to handle complex and sophisticated matters.”
In the article, Kayla described the four key pillars of the professional development program at Bass, Berry & Sims: onboarding and integration, training and coaching, staffing, and performance feedback.
- Onboarding and Integration: When new associates join the firm, they participate in a customized orientation and integration program that introduces them to key contacts, practice group resources, and firmwide initiatives that foster engagement and build deeper relationships faster.
- Training and Coaching: Training is designed to reinforce both substantive legal skills and the professional skills that support one’s practice while coaching and feedback are woven into individual PD plans.
- Staffing: The PD team also partners with practice group leadership on staffing to ensure matters are managed thoughtfully and efficiently.
- Performance Feedback: Feedback is gathered throughout the year and gives insight into what’s working and where additional training may be helpful.
Kayla concluded by saying, “A thoughtful professional development model benefits everyone. When lawyers are well-trained and well-supported, work is more efficient, teams are stronger, and clients are better served. Professional development is ultimately an investment in client service, talent growth, and the long-term strength of the firm.”
The full article, “Expert Interview: Kayla Broom and the Role of Professional Development in Newer Lawyers’ Success,” was published by BARBRI on May 19 and is available online.