Big Law Life

#57: How Law Firms Can Build Stronger Partners Through Training - with Latham & Watkins’ Andrew Clark

Jan 29, 2025

In this discussion, Andrew Clark, a partner at Latham & Watkins and global chair of their Training and Career Enhancement Committee, reveals the firm's innovative approach to lawyer training. He shares insights on nurturing new partners for leadership roles and the importance of continuous development. Andrew highlights the essential role of business professionals in training and introduces the exciting launch of an AI Academy aimed at integrating generative AI into legal practice, showcasing Latham’s commitment to adapting in a rapidly changing legal landscape.

36:49

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Episode guests

Andrew Clark

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Quick takeaways

Latham & Watkins emphasizes ongoing partner development through structured training programs that prepare attorneys for evolving leadership roles and client management.

The firm's innovative training initiatives, such as the AI Academy, reflect a commitment to equipping lawyers with essential skills to navigate technological advancements in the legal field.

Deep dives

The Need for Continuous Learning in Law Partnerships

The discussion highlights the critical need for ongoing learning and development among partners in law firms, emphasizing that education should not cease upon reaching partnership status. Continuous training plays a significant role as partners face new responsibilities, including client management and firm governance. The podcast underscores that growth in a legal career is a lifelong journey, requiring professionals to adapt and enhance their skills throughout their careers. This approach cultivates a culture within law firms that values self-improvement and maintains the firm's competitive edge.

Intro

3min

Building a Collaborative Culture in Law Firms

3min

Comprehensive Partner Development at Law Firms

15min

Evolving Training Strategies in Law Firms

7min

The Impact of Training Feedback on Law Firm Practices

3min

Advancing Legal Practice with AI Training

6min

In today’s episode, I talk with Andrew Clark, a partner with Latham & Watkins and the global chair of the firm's Training and Career Enhancement Committee. Andrew shares how Latham develops its partners and other lawyers through a structured and comprehensive training program that evolves at every stage of their career.

From preparing new partners for leadership roles to equipping junior partners to deepen their client relationships and build their practices, Andrew gives us an inside look at how Latham is setting up its attorneys for long-term success.

We also discuss the unique role of business professionals in shaping law firm training and the firm’s work in training its lawyers to leverage generative AI.

At a Glance:

0:00 Introduction: Andrew discusses ongoing training for partners beyond when they are promoted into their partner roles
1:20 Importance of partner development: Preparing for leadership and client management
2:24 Andrew’s career journey: From Latham’s London office to leading global training initiatives
4:02 Partner involvement in firm management and training programs
6:01 Multi-stage partner training: New Partner Academy and Junior Partner Development Retreat
9:17 Financial literacy and business development: Preparing partners for understand client needs and demands
12:13 Integrating lateral partners: Communicating and strengthening understanding of firm culture through structured training
14:28 Rainmaker panel: Insights into business development from partners who role-play a simulated client pitch
18:27 Contributions of business professionals: Elevating law firm training programs to include education and support from business and training experts in the firm
21:53 External experts in training: Lessons from outside speakers, including military leaders and others
24:57 Generational shifts: Adapting training for Gen Z attorneys
30:01 Latham’s AI Academy: Preparing lawyers for the future of legal practice

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life? Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.

For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast here!

For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. How to reach Andrew Clark:

https://www.lw.com/en/people/andrew-clark

Link to more information Latham & Watkins’ lawyer development and training: https://www.lw.com/en/about-us/lawyer-development

Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? - here are ways to reach out to her:

www.lauraterrell.com

laura@lauraterrell.com

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Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast