2022 Talent Year in Review: Investing in People
Explore Some Innovative Ways We Support Our People
Empowering Program Helps Junior Associates Build Internal Networks
Foley Takes Integrated Approach to Talent Development
Our people all work together, as ONE TEAM, to advance the firm. It’s an intrinsic part of Foley’s culture that sets us apart from other firms. Last year, we combined our Legal Talent and Human Resources teams to ensure we’re recruiting, developing, and retaining all talent at the firm — both attorneys and business professionals alike.
New Evaluation Process Strengthens Culture of Feedback
Foley recognizes that substantive feedback is an essential — but sometimes lacking — development and retention tool for associates, and particularly those in underrepresented groups. In 2022, the firm replaced its spring associate performance review process with Career Conversations. This new process facilitates meaningful, forward-looking dialogue between our more junior attorneys and their practice, office, and department leadership, with a focus on supporting personal and professional growth and charting a path for their career objectives. Hear partner Glenn Singleton and associate Rachael Mozelewski discuss their shared experience with Career Conversations.
Professional Development Resource Helps Teams Build Competency
After successfully rolling out enrichment programs for both assistants and managers in 2021, Foley launched its Business Professional Enrichment Program last year to extend professional development opportunities to all of our other business professional teams. By partnering with LinkedIn Learning, which offers expert-led courses, the firm provides specialized and comprehensive educational content for each group, allowing them to develop and grow their skills in a variety of areas. Hear Chief Financial Officer Lisa Jessup highlight her department’s experience with the Business Professional Enrichment Program.
Foley Connect Supports All Career Paths
We invest deeply in helping each of our attorneys build a long, successful career here at Foley. We also know that professional interests and life circumstances can change, so we’re equally dedicated to supporting those who choose to seek opportunities outside of the firm. In early 2022, we launched Foley Connect, a curated internal job board featuring dozens of in-house legal positions. It includes opportunities we receive directly from clients who would be thrilled to have a Foley attorney join their team, as well as opportunities proactively sourced from clients and Foley’s broader network. Foley Connect is a key part of our growing career transitions program for those attorneys who wish to explore a new career path. Hear partners Mike Okaty and Jack Lord talk about the importance of Foley Connect.
Recognitions Reflect Foley’s Investment in People
Foley was ranked as a Top 25 law firm and listed as an “excellent performer” across all six categories in the Chambers Associate 2022 Satisfaction Surveys:
Having opportunities for early responsibility on sophisticated client matters in a collaborative environment is important to the satisfaction of our associates, who told Chambers:
When tasked on deals, “you’re doing everything from due diligence to going into the data room …”
“I’ve been in charge of tracking progression and deadlines. I’ve also just defended my first deposition …”
“The overall culture is why most people stay — at Foley my peers are so great, it’s a really big selling point.”
“[Y]ou can do pretty much anything you want to if you take the initiative!”