HLC Global Lawyer Development framework - Flipbook - Page 21
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader | Lawyer Development Framework
Associate (Entry-Level)
■ Maintains a focus on the client and their needs while undertaking tasks for them
■ Understands the client’s goal and tailors solution to that goal
■ Alerts supervising partner of client requests and complaints, in a timely manner,
and follows up either directly or indirectly through the supervising partner
■ Anticipates needs of more senior associates, counsel, and partners with respect
to clients
■ Completes time sheet in a disciplined way, helping to produce billing records that clients
find meaningful and appropriate
■ Adheres to the highest ethical standards in conducting work
Associate (Experienced)
■ Has a good understanding of the client, the client’s business, the sector, and the
associated risks and opportunities
■ Takes personal responsibility and full ownership in responding to client needs
and requests in a prompt and efficient manner (when appropriate for an associate
to respond)
■ Builds good working relationships with the clients. In doing so, listens carefully, asks
questions, and uses empathy to relate to the client in a way that makes sense for the client
and its culture
■ Proactively works to develop and strengthen client relationships
■ Recognizes client problems, including the big picture and context, and comes up with
proposed creative solutions to present to the firm supervising partner
■ Knows when to alert firm senior lawyers when a problem, delay, or issue is about to occur
with a client
■ Uses good judgment in responding to client requests for information; determines when
communication is necessary and appropriate and when to consult with more senior
team members before responding to a client; keeps more senior team members informed
of communications with client
Senior Associate
■ Is able to manage client expectations and handle difficult client situations/conversations
including a difference in expectations or billing and fee issues
■ Becomes a “trusted advisor” who understands the business context; provides counsel to
the client with a long-term business and industry perspective to benefit the client
■ Keeps the client top-of-mind in order to spot opportunities for them; provides useful
information on industry or marketplace issues to clients outside of the scope of projects
■ Responds to client’s style and preferences, speaking to both the legal/technical issues
and the business issues
■ Understands and addresses the individual professional concerns of the client point-ofcontact (e.g., professional reputation, adhering to their budget)
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