West Legalworks

• After all these years, does “one size fits all” recruiting still work?
• Do recent learnings about associate satisfaction and motivation warrant a response from firms?
• Is it time to change the lockstep model of compensation and advancement?

Moderator:
Arthur Miller

Panelists:
Martin Cunniff, Training Partner and Commercial Trial Chair, Howrey LLP

Andrew Bruck, Stanford Law Student and Co-President, Building a Better Legal Profession

Peter Sloan, Recruiting and Professional Development Partner, Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP

Lisa Crawford, Director of Professional Development, Ropes & Gray LLP

Adam Siegel, Partner , Covington & Burling LLP

Frank Aquila , Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

12:30p – 2:00p
Networking Lunch

2:00p – 3:00p
Session 3: The Structural Keys to Talent Development

• How do group dynamics within firms affect their talent development structures?
• Can those same dynamics be used to facilitate positive change?
• How can firms create lasting structures to promote long-term talent development?

Speaker:
Dr. Larry Richard, Vice President, Hildebrandt International

3:00p – 3:30p
Afternoon Break

3:30p – 5:00p
Session 4: Approaches to Talent Development

Mike Hamilton, Chief Learning & Development Officer (Americas) for Ernst & Young, will share insight and learnings from outside the legal profession. Panelists will then respond to the various approaches discussed, share “Best Practices” in associate talent development, and discuss industry trends including talent management systems.

Presentation by:
Mike Hamilton, Chief Learning and Development Officer (Americas), Ernst & Young LLP

Moderator:
Cynthia Pladziewicz, Chief Development Officer, Thompson & Knight LLP

Panelists:
Heather Bock, Director of Professional Development, Howrey LLP

Mike Hamilton, Chief Learning and Development Officer (Americas), Ernst & Young LLP

Pauline Higgins, Chief Diversity Officer Thompson & Knight LLP

5:00p – 6:00p
Networking Reception

Day 2
Wednesday, June 11, 2008

8:00a – 9:00a
Continental Breakfast

9:00a – 9:15a
Introduction to Day 2: The Business Case for Ongoing Talent Management

9:15a – 10:15a
Session 1: Keynote Address

Law Firm Culture: The Glue That Holds it All Together

One of the nation’s most respected law firm managing partners will discuss the importance of firm culture in developing and retaining talent.

• The impact of effective leadership in creating a culture supportive of long-term talent development
• How to create a culture that includes “outsiders”
(non home-grown partners)

Speaker:
Greg Jordan, Global Managing Partner and Chairman of the Senior Management Team and Executive Committee Reed Smith LLP

10:15a – 10:30a
Coffee Break

10:30a – 12:00p
Session 2: Non-Equity Partners and Other Permanent “Non-Associate” Attorneys

James W. Jones of the Hildebrandt Institute will lead a panel discussion of the newly emerging and seemingly endless categories of non-equity lawyers within law firms, the evolving role of these senior lawyers, and their impact on the law firm of the future. Learn how your firm can increase individual and firm productivity levels.

Specific topics will include:
• The cost of “Leverage”
• Motivating senior attorneys
• Dealing with under-productive partners
• Mandatory retirement

Moderator:
James W. Jones, Chairman, The Hildebrandt Institute

Panelists:
Steve Armstrong, Director of Career Development, WilmerHale LLP

Cynthia Pladziewicz, Chief Development Officer, Thompson & Knight LLP

Joy Curtis, Chief People Officer, Ropes & Gray LLP

12:00p
Conference Close