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Facilitator Guide

Introduction to Law Firms

What’s covered

  • Law Firm Basics
  • Associates and the Associate Track
  • Counsel and Partners
  • Practice Groups and Staffing
  • Other Lawyers and Support Staff
  • Non-Legal Departments

Before the session

Prepare the Attendees

Send the attendees an invitation for the session. Include this link, which has the videos and exercise they’ll need to prepare.

https://www.hotshotlegal.com/discussions/introduction-to-law-firms/attendee

Prepare Yourself

Watch the videos and read the exercise so you’re familiar with the Hotshot material.

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    Course

    Introduction to Law Firms

    Provides a practical foundation for understanding how large law firms operate. Covers the hierarchy of positions, practice group structures, key non-legal departments, and how firms are organized to serve clients.

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    Exercise

    PDF

During the session

Part 1: Knowledge Check

 Ask attendees these questions to ensure they understand the topic:

  • What does it mean that law firms are in the client service business?
  • What’s the general hierarchy of lawyers at a large law firm?
  • How are most law firms in the US organized, and how does that impact operations?
  • What is the difference between equity partners and non-equity partners?
  • What is staffing and how does it work in different firms?
  • What are some common non-legal departments at large law firms, and what are their responsibilities?

 

Part 2: Group Exercise

 Lead a group discussion based on the exercise. To encourage collaboration, divide the attendees into groups to discuss the exercise, then have a representative from each group summarize their views to the larger group. Call on people to share their thoughts and ask others to respond.

 

Tip for remote sessions: use your web conferencing system’s breakout room feature to divide people into groups.

 

Part 3: Firm Specifics

 Share your own experiences and guidance, including:

  • Anecdotes
  • General practice tips (dos and don’ts)
  • Firm-specific guidance and practices

After the session

To continue learning, attendees can check out related courses in Hotshot’s Business of Law topic.