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National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) Deposition Skills Training program in our Dallas office.
Careers /

Professional Development

Turn Your Ambitions Into Achievements

Husch Blackwell offers extensive professional development programming for all attorneys, from new associates to experienced legal practitioners. Workshops and other training opportunities help our attorneys achieve their career goals, gain a competitive advantage, and deliver greater value to clients.

Professional development opportunities for attorneys include:

New Associate Orientation

HB Foundations, a week-long orientation, is designed to help new associates transition from law school to law practice. Firm leaders provide an introduction to Husch Blackwell’s strategic vision, culture, and organizational structure. The program also covers topics such as how to thrive in a professional services firm; wellness; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The week closes with an extensive practice area bootcamp.

Because we take a long-term approach to orientation, we also offer a series of lunch and learn programming for new associates that covers topics such as how to navigate one’s first year at the firm, documents and Outlook management, how to work with your legal support team, and understanding the value and support other administrative departments can bring to your career. 

Associate Core Skills Training

Our core skills curriculum focuses on the skills necessary to excel as a junior associate. Topics covered include personal growth and management, firm operations, and the foundation of client development and executive presence.

Senior Associate Development (HB Emerge)

We offer a three-day intensive workshop for senior associates that focuses on four core fundamentals: individual leadership; diversity, equity, and inclusion; financial acumen; and client service. Participants are challenged and encouraged to think about themselves as leaders and to fully understand the strategic vision of Husch Blackwell. Participants also have the benefit of completing the Gallup Strengths Assessment and spending time with a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach©.

New Partner Orientation

New Partner Orientation is an opportunity for newly elected and lateral fixed income partners to gather with firm leadership and gain an understanding of the changes in benefits, compensation, and expectations for partners. All new partners are invited to attend Husch Blackwell University immediately following their election to partnership.

Husch Blackwell University

Husch Blackwell University is an intensive professional development program designed to provide junior partners and junior senior counsel with the skills required to advance their legal careers. The program is designed around Husch Blackwell’s core values: clients; people; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Cohorts come together a couple times a year in cities across our footprint to participate in multiday expert-led modules that cover law firm economics and strategy, client relationships, and leadership development.

HB In-House

HB In-House is a one-of-its-kind professional development program aimed at helping attorneys gain an intimate understanding of in-house roles, enhancing the firm’s ability to cater more effectively to its clients, and providing career development opportunities for attorneys who are interested in transitioning to corporate counsel roles. Launched in 2024, the curriculum--heavily based on client input--gives attorneys an inside view of their clients' roles and responsibilities and provides them with the tools for a successful transition, should they wish to move in-house themselves. Firm clients have active roles in the program as faculty and mentors.

Retirement Preparation Series

We offer a professional development series to help attorneys think about, prepare for, and embrace their retirement. This series is led by former Husch Blackwell partners and covers timeline for transition; communication of retirement plans internally and externally; compensation and financial consideration; post-retirement healthcare and wellness; and transitioning clients.

Mentoring

We bring value on many levels through our robust mentoring program. New associates are matched with a mentor who will support and guide them through their career development. In conjunction with our professional development programming, the mentoring program drives success within the firm, the community, and the legal profession. Husch Blackwell believes in the power of mentoring and supports the program by providing events, resources, and a billable hour equivalent for mentoring activities.

Practice Area and Industry Group Training

We are dedicated to providing in-depth industry and practice area-specific training for attorneys at all levels. Our firm’s practice areas are led by partners who are responsible for training associates on subjects relevant to their area. These leaders actively monitor associate workloads and project assignments to ensure they receive challenging work, progress at an appropriate rate, and have opportunities to develop practice area experience. Additionally, each of the firm’s industry groups offers regular training on industry trends and topics to advance attorneys’ knowledge in their specific fields.

General Training

All attorneys are encouraged to take advantage of programs that teach efficient and effective career management. We conduct training on a broad range of topics including time and project management; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and leadership, presentation, negotiation, and trial advocacy skills. So that our programs are accessible to all our attorneys, we maintain an On-Demand Learning Center that provides instant access to these trainings at their convenience. In addition, the firm’s Privileged Membership in the Practising Law Institute grants our attorneys unlimited access to their robust online catalog of training programs.

Building Networks

Our attorneys are encouraged to build their professional networks inside and outside of the firm. In doing so, they position themselves for lifelong learning and development. We financially support participation in a diverse range of conferences and associations, particularly for attorneys and staff who are people of color, women, part of the LGBTQ+ community, or any intersection thereof.

10 Reasons to Join Husch Blackwell

Discover why this is the place for you. 

While I could name several things that make this firm special, I think first and foremost it’s the people. They are warm, inviting, encouraging and uplifting. There is something different here; it’s tangible.

Quinncy McNeal, Pro Bono Counsel, Houston
Find out why Quinncy chose to further his career at Husch Blackwell