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Sidley Austin implements executive training…

Associates Sidley Austin implements executive training and new titles for associates

By Debra Cassens Weiss

November 18, 2021, 2:06 pm CST

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Senior Sidley Austin associates are getting new titles and new opportunities to learn business skills.

Beginning Jan. 1, Sidley associates in their fourth through eighth years with the firm will have opportunities to attend MBA-level executive leadership programs at top business schools, such as Harvard University, Columbia University, Stanford University, the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, according to a press release and a story by Law.com.

Also offered are two internal executive leadership academies focusing on business, client and professional skills. The associates will also have a choice of a “passion project” with nonprofit legal and community organizations. Professional coaches will be provided for career and business development advice.

Participation in the program is voluntary, according to Law.com. Time spent in the program will count toward billable targets.

The title changes taking effect Jan. 1 are “managing associate,” effective at the start of the fourth year of practice, and “senior managing associate,” effective at the seventh year.

The training program is designed to help associates “become world-class, business-savvy lawyers,” according to the press release. Another aim is associate retention, according to Yvette Ostolaza, Sidley management committee chair-elect, who spoke with Law.com.

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