designed to help them do so. Both networks match more senior members of the network with new associates joining the network each fall. For each network, this program adds an additional layer of mentoring for new associates to further enhance their professional development, while also providing a candid forum to network with lawyers of similar backgrounds and experiences. A third-year General Practice Associate remarked that, “the AAN mentoring program has helped me develop into a better senior associate. I have been able to have candid conversations with my mentees that remind me of what it was like to be a first-year associate. Those conversations have reignited my desire to be the best manager and teacher that I can be, and have positively impacted my relationships with junior associates on all of my transactions.” Both networks also host a member-led speaker series, covering a wide-range of substantive practice and professional development topics. This series allows associates to not only hone their public speaking skills in a comfortable environment, but also supports the Firm’s longstanding commitment to ensure that all lawyers are both specialists in their respective practice areas, and generalists in other areas of law. Topics in the NOBLL speaker series have included estate planning, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and an introduction to derivatives. Topics in the AAN speaker series have included the inherent value of clerkships, and the benefits of being seconded to a client’s legal department. Sullivan & Cromwell’s partners are frequently invited to address members of the networks. Over the past year, partners have presented such topics as their paths to partnership, practical tips on how to build your brand, developing meaningful business relationships, and enhancing your practice. The Firm realizes that associates benefit and Francesca Galarraga
enjoy spending time with partners, and that providing opportunities for informal mentoring are key to associates’ development and growth.
u r ’ “One University” Initiative
Building with diversity in mind
In March of 2013, University of the Rockies opened its second campus site in Denver, Colorado. A leading graduate school in the social behavioral sciences, the Denver location was opened to provide a home for the School of Organizational Leadership, while the University’s campus in Colorado Springs would remain home to the School of Professional Psychology. The new, exciting expansion would give University of the Rockies a stronger regional presence and help it better serve its rapidly growing student population. The University needed to find ways to welcome new students and a new academic modality to the Denver area. To meet this challenge, the University engaged its Diversity Office to implement a series of initiatives to foster a welcoming environment and celebrate the University’s core values of service, integrity, diversity, and excellence. Thus the “One University” initiative was born. To launch the initiative, the Diversity Office called upon a team of creative, artistic employees to design a unity mural. The mural was created in tiles so that every staff member could participate and leave their legacy. Other initiatives included a mission contest to showcase the multitude of interpretations of the University’s mission, and a “Living with Integrity” award for individuals to nominate those who demonstrate integrity in every aspect of their work. Staff member training was developed and, for students, the University hosted open houses and increased support services. “Since the opening of our Denver location, our teams and executive leadership have hosted weekly sessions with students to gather suggestions and ideas that will help us continue to grow our efforts to be more inclusive,” says Francesca Galarraga, Director of Read more at www.DiversityJournal.com
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