Foley’s 2023 Associate Class Gets Acquainted with the Firm and Each Other
On October 23, Foley welcomed 72 new associates to the firm. The group joined 16 different practice areas across 18 of the firm’s offices.
To help the new hires start to integrate into the firm, Foley hosted a three-day, in-person orientation program in Chicago. During this time, the associates learned about life at Foley, kickstarted their career development journey with a variety of training programs, met and got to know one another, and took part in several fun activities in the Windy City. They also had the unique opportunity to join the 35th anniversary celebration for the firm’s Chicago office.
The agenda for New Associate Orientation kicked off with a welcome from Foley Chief Talent Officer Jen Patton. Over the next two days, the group heard from several Foley attorneys and business professionals on things like career development, diversity, and pro bono initiatives at the firm; business development and marketing advice for new attorneys; firm operations and practice management tips; and professional responsibility expectations.
On the last day of the program, the associates were divided into three breakout sessions based on their departments — Corporate, Intellectual Property, and Litigation — and had the opportunity to hear from department leadership and participate in more substantive training in their designated practice area.
There were also several social events that allowed the associates to network with each other and their new Foley colleagues. These activities included a choice of invigorating workouts, a dinner cruise along the Chicago River, and department-specific dinners at a local winery. Perhaps the best activity of all though was writing letters and creating hygiene kits for distribution to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Foley’s national philanthropic partner.
After three days of getting to know the firm, our people, and each other, the associates dispersed back across the country ready to hit the ground running. The programming, collaboration, and comradery of New Associate Orientation provided our newest associates their first glimpse of why our people are #HappyatFoley.
