Associate Training and Mentoring

Ashe, Rafuse & Hill is committed to the training and professional development of its associates.  This commitment emanates from the personal commitment of its founders.  The firm’s substantial client base and case list exposes new associates to experiences such as class action litigation, complex commercial litigation, and work on individual claims.  The firm also involves new associates in every step of the litigation process, from drafting answers and complaints to preparing for trial.  As early as the first year, Ashe, Rafuse & Hill’s associates have taken and defended depositions, participated in witness preparations, and drafted motions.  In fact, second-year associates have partnered with more senior associates to lead training sessions on case management.

The firm’s modest size and reasonable partner-to-associate ratio enable partners to pay close attention to the development of new associates, ensuring that no associate falls by the wayside.  The firm’s small size also enables new associates to form strong mentoring relationships with both partners and senior associates, who play an essential role in every attorney’s career.

In addition to providing mentors to new associates, partners conduct bi-annual formal evaluations of associates.  These evaluations help junior associates ensure they are receiving experiences appropriate for their level and provide benchmarks for junior associates to work towards achieving in the future.