Akerman Senterfitt is committed to the development of our attorneys as individuals, professionals and involved members of the community. We believe that this commitment is one factor that enables us to recruit and retain quality associates. Accordingly, training is provided through internal training programs and outside continuing legal education seminars paid for by the Firm, as well as through guidance from our more experienced attorneys. Our attorneys are also encouraged to take an active role in the development of their own careers by seeking out feedback, training and work experiences that will enhance their ability to be great lawyers.

Training

We provide our attorneys with the opportunity to learn a wide range of skills and work closely with more experienced attorneys. The Firm has in place an initial orientation program to introduce new attorneys to the Firm's systems and policies. In addition, our practice groups frequently hold in-house training programs for their members. Attorneys are also invited to participate in practice group retreats, which bring together attorneys from our various offices who are all focused on a specific area of law. Practice group retreats provide our attorneys with an opportunity to build relationships, identify ways to collaborate and develop new business strategies. The retreats often include practice skills training, as well as information on industry and market trends. The Firm provides all attorneys with an annual professional development allowance and maintains a current video and print library of continuing legal education materials.

Our low shareholder-to-associate ratio allows associates to receive invaluable "on the job" training by working closely with more senior attorneys on significant legal matters. This allows them to expand their knowledge and experience, and develop significant, direct relationships with the Firm's clients. Associates are also encouraged to participate in community initiatives and pro bono projects that provide an opportunity for professional growth.

Mentoring

We appreciate the importance of having mentors to learn from and assist in professional growth. Our mentoring program has formal and informal aspects, both of which are important to meeting the needs of our lawyers at every level. Shareholders and senior associates serve as mentors and advisors, providing associates with valuable feedback and guidance with respect to their assimilation into the Firm and their professional development. We also host a variety of events and activities to help associates and shareholders get to know each other.

Evaluation

Associates are given informal professional guidance and feedback on a day-to-day basis by the shareholders with whom they work. Associates also receive formal evaluations on an annual basis. These evaluations are based on the assessments of the shareholders for whom the associate has performed significant work during the prior year and the results are communicated to the associate. The evaluation process allows us to identify gaps, assess needs and establish benchmarks for the following year. The evaluation process also provides an opportunity to respond to changes in the professional and personal interests of the associates.