Midsize Law Firm Makes Big-Firm Commitment To Litigation Training for Associates
Bass, Berry & Sims PLC Provides Rare Trial Practice for Younger Lawyers
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, a leading corporate law firm based in Nashville, Tenn., announced today the completion of its first associate litigation training program, culminating in full-scale mock jury trials at Vanderbilt University Law School.
The firm also took an unusual step by posting examples of the training sessions, including opening statements, direct examinations, and closing arguments, on YouTube. (Visit http://www.youtube.com/user/bassberry.)
The six-month program, spearheaded by attorneys Michael Dagley and Overton Thompson, was designed to provide associates with direct litigation, trial advocacy, and jury persuasion experience. The goal of the training, planned as a regular event, is to prepare associates to become first-chair trial lawyers early in their careers -- a client-service strategy to provide quality service at non-senior rates.
"Our firm is committed to investing time and resources for training on a scale that we believe has only previously been accomplished by larger firms," said Dagley. "Even at many larger firms, few associates can expect to try cases, much less serve as first-chair."
"For us, the benefits are many," added Dagley. "We gain real competitive advantages by sharing knowledge and experience with a new generation of top attorneys, but we are also better positioned to provide superior client service by building more diverse trial teams."
The firm's program, in which senior attorneys acted as judges, centered on a mock case called BMI v. Minicom, a classic breach of contract case first devised by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. The trials also provided training for the firm's summer associates, who acted as jurors.
"It is a privilege to be given such extensive trial experience so early in my career," associate attorney Allyn Rubright said. "At a time when so many other firms are focusing only on their top rainmakers, Bass, Berry & Sims has strategically focused on strengthening its litigation team, which, in turn, allows for higher-quality service without increasing rates."
About Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
With more than 200 attorneys representing numerous publicly-traded companies and Fortune 500 businesses, Bass, Berry & Sims PLC has been involved in some of the largest and most significant business transactions and litigation matters in the country. For more information, visit www.bassberry.com.
