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Providing Guidance and Support
Recognizing that success at a law firm largely rests on the quality of the working relationships among its partners, associates and administrative staff, Shearman & Sterling strives to create the best possible environment for its first-year associates by pairing each of them with partner and associate mentors, as well as providing them mentoring training materials as part of their orientation. Our mentoring program is also supported by ongoing small, informal group meetings between partners and associates.
Our sabbatical program is another of the firm's initiatives that encourages new ideas and fresh viewpoints. In their fifth or sixth year, associates either take one month off to pursue a work-related area of interest or spend a three-month stretch in another of the firm's worldwide offices. These experiences and exposure to multicultural perspectives contribute to the firm's overall diversity and creativity—and are crucial assets in today's global marketplace.
Underscoring our recognition of the value of each of our professionals, the firm has created and supports the following programs and benefits:
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Affinity Groups: Encourages colleagues to meet, share ideas, and generally support one another as they advance within the firm.
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Domestic Partner Benefits: Acknowledges the importance of benefits for all committed relationships.
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Flexible Career Paths: Allows associates with particular needs the opportunity to work flexible hours, subject to the business needs of the firm. Attorneys have been elected partner while maintaining part-time status.
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Alumni Relations: A way for associates and partners to stay involved with the firm even after moving on to other opportunities.
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