I think what distinguishes Sidley from other top firms in the city is the environment. All top firms perform solid legal work for top clients, but how the lawyers at those firms interact with each other is markedly different from firm to firm. The environment at Sidley encourages and demands respect for every lawyer at the firm, from the most senior partner to the most junior associate. Because of that, Sidley is a firm that, even though every firm event is optional, the lawyers attend because they truly enjoy spending time with their friends (not just colleagues) at the firm.

The purpose of any summer associate assignment is to provide a realistic idea of what it would be like to practice at our firm. Summer associates conduct substantive legal research and writing on complex, cutting-edge legal issues for real clients. Summer associates choose their own assignments, giving them the opportunity to work on a variety of projects based on their own interests. This also allows summer associates to gain exposure to different practice areas and to meet and work with many different partners and associates at the firm.

The summer program is a great opportunity to try different things. In truth, it takes time and exposure to decide what you enjoy and where you feel challenged. The summer is a great chance to decide on the larger picture issues (e.g., litigation, transactional, public finance, international trade). Once you start in a broad area, there are opportunities to both focus (e.g., IP litigation or antitrust) or to generalize across a number of areas. The opportunities available firm-wide are really astounding.

The firm's Summer Recruiting Program provides a good indication of the types of work that a first-year associate may expect to receive when he/she initially arrives at the firm. For example, a first-year litigation associate may initially be tasked with research and motion/brief drafting. Then, gradually, the associate is given increasing responsibility. Many first-year associates are given opportunities to engage in client contact, prepare/deliver external presentations, and actively participate in case meetings.

Yes, I have found the opportunities for responsibility to be abundant. While there is the necessary document review and work that must be accomplished, there are also great opportunities for initiative. I am in the middle of drafting a motion to quash, for example, on behalf of a major client in an important case. Thankfully, the doors are almost always open in partner and associate offices -- even those not directly on the same case -- to help answer questions or think through issues. I really do feel like people want us to succeed, and want us to continue to learn.

The firm maintains an "open-door" policy. Associates may freely engage in discussion with any of the firm's lawyers. In the Dallas office, partners regularly meet with junior associates to discuss assignments, case strategies, etc.

Yes. Everyone that I have met here recognizes and values a balance between work-life and home-life. As a lawyer at Sidley, you will be treated like a professional and be expected to act like one. That means that you will generally be in charge of your own schedule and be ultimately responsible for getting your work done. But, it doesn't mean that you have to miss all of your kids' soccer games or that you are shackled to your desk 24/7. In fact, Sidley is set up with the latest technology to allow its lawyers the freedom to work from almost anywhere, at any time. So, you can't use "work" as your excuse for not having a life!

The firm is sensitive to the variety of issues facing associates, particularly in the area of family planning. In an effort to retain female associates, the firm has implemented measures that enable working mothers to balance their careers and families. For example, Sidley offers twelve weeks of paid maternity leave, as well as a reduced-load program. Associates on the reduced-load program may also remain on the partnership track.

Sidley's training program is undoubtedly one of the firm's strengths. In addition to the regular orientation programs and meetings with department heads, there is Corporate College in the spring of the 1st year, plus weekly 90 minute sessions every Wed morning (for CLE credit) that cover a broad spectrum of issues that a corporate lawyer might encounter. These topics range from insight into the various practice areas such as securitization and M&A to practical lessons on due diligence, opinion letters, accounting principles and tax law.

Among Sidley's organizational priorities, improving diversity is at the top of the list. The Firm's senior management has committed significant financial and human resources to attracting diverse candidates and to creating a work environment that fosters professional and personal growth. As co-chair of the Washington office's diversity committee, I have seen firsthand how that support allows us to identify and implement new opportunities that will further strengthen the Firm's diversity.

Sidley Austin LLP believes that all lawyers have a profound responsibility to use their training, skills and experience to provide legal services to the poor and to charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental, professional or educational organizations that otherwise would be unable to afford legal representation. Sidley lawyers also believe they have a responsibility to the legal system to protect civil and human rights in this country and throughout the world. Sidley’s pro bono policy strongly urges all lawyers to devote a significant amount of time to pro bono matters. Sidley subscribes to the ABA’s Pro Bono Challenge and has pledged to use its best efforts to contribute annually in pro bono work an amount of time equal to three percent of the firm’s total billable hours.

Young lawyers are expected to handle their assignments and workload with conscientiousness and maturity, just like all other lawyers. This means staying around or making yourself available as necessary to get your work done. However, the firm also appreciates that you have a life outside the firm. No after-hours "face time" is required.