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BH&T is a leader in professional development, and is committed to career-long learning for all our lawyers. As an example of this deep commitment, we were one of the first firms in Vancouver to hire a Manager of Professional Development to oversee our professional development programs and work individually with our lawyers to meet their educational needs. Our Manager of Professional Development works closely with our Professional Development Committee to ensure that we offer a wide range of professional development programs designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of a lawyer at every stage of their career.
With the variety of in-house professional development sessions available at BH&T, it is easy for our lawyers to fulfill the British Columbia Law Society's recommendation of a minimum of 12 hours of course study per year.
Our professional development curriculum for lawyers includes:
New Associate Orientation: Every lawyer new to BH&T, regardless if a lateral hire or a student staying on as an associate, receives an in-depth orientation to the firm. This customized Professional Development program emphasizes best practices in the law, the business aspects of legal practice and client service, teamwork and professional responsibility.
Core Curriculum: Every associate in his or her first two years of practice with the firm is expected to take a series of professional development sessions that are critical to a lawyer's development. These sessions which are designed specifically for new lawyers include skills training in the areas of legal writing, presenting, research, business development, practice management and client relations, as well as a solid grounding in legal issues that cut across practice areas. In addition, there are specialized core courses developed especially for litigators and transactional lawyers to give them a jump-start on their practice area.
Lawyers' Series: All BH&T lawyers and students are invited to attend regular in-house seminars emphasizing continuing legal education, professional responsibility and new developments in the law. These sessions cover substantive matters but also strategies and practice tips.
Mentor Program: In each of the first two years of practice at BH&T, an associate is paired with a senior partner as his or her mentor. The program provides opportunities for new lawyers to build relationships outside of their practice area and gain the benefit of the mentor's practice experience and wisdom in broad career issues, practice management and professional development. Mentors provide new lawyers with a strong support network for professional and personal growth.
Coaching Program: BH&T associates in their first three years of practice receive on-the-job training by a partner in their practice area. The “coach” will discuss an associate's work load and case list, and guide their hands-on training in the skills and knowledge required in their area of practice.
Spotlight Series: Many of our lawyers participate as presenters in various external continuing legal education courses or as authors for outside publications in legal, business and other areas. They share this expertise with us in-house in the Spotlight Series. Recent seminars have included public-private partnerships, the softwood lumber dispute, First Nations consultation, privacy law and British Columbia health authorities.
Distinguished Speakers' Series: In addition to our in-house experts, from time to time we invite outside speakers who have distinguished themselves in their field to present on important and interesting issues of the moment.
External Professional Development We also recognize the importance of external continuing legal education programs and encourage our lawyers to pursue additional training. We also sponsor membership in legal and professional associations to meet specific training needs.
For more information please contact:
Thelma O'Grady
Manager, Professional Development
Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP
3000 - 1055 West Georgia Street
Vancouver BC V6E 3R3
604.641.4832
tog@bht.com |
