Foley’s 2025 New Associate Orientation Sets the Stage for Success
On October 20, Foley welcomed its 2025 New Associate Class comprising 69 recent law school graduates and judicial clerks. This talented and dynamic group is spread across 16 practices and 18 offices nationwide, bringing fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and a wide range of experiences to the Foley community as they begin their legal careers.
To help our newest colleagues jumpstart their integration into the firm, we brought them to Chicago for their first week. This gave them the chance to spend their initial days learning about Foley together, participating in a variety of training programs and activities, and getting acquainted with their peers. The agenda was thoughtfully designed to provide practical knowledge, foster relationships, and offer a true sense of life at Foley.
This year’s New Associate Orientation kicked off with a warm welcome from our Professional Development team, setting the tone for a day of learning and connection. The afternoon featured hands-on technology training, an HR overview, and an introduction to the firm’s resources and benefits. The day concluded with small-group dinners at a variety of Chicago’s vibrant eateries, offering associates a relaxed setting to build camaraderie and begin forming lasting professional relationships.
Over the next three days, the group engaged in interactive training sessions and workshops aimed at preparing them for success at Foley. Associates heard directly from Foley’s chairman and CEO Daljit Doogal, as well as attorneys and business professionals that have key roles across the firm. These programs featured insights on career development, diversity, equity, and inclusion, community engagement, business development and marketing, firm operations and practice management, professional responsibility, wellness in the legal profession, and more. Department-specific breakout sessions in Corporate, Intellectual Property, and Litigation provided targeted, substantive training and the opportunity to connect with practice leaders in their respective areas.
A highlight of the week was the “Joining a Winning Crew” session, featuring rower, author, and speaker Arshay Cooper. His inspiring words — “If we eliminate the small dreams, then you’ll make way for bigger dreams,” and “What you do is so much more than what you learn” — resonated deeply with the group. This session set an uplifting tone, emphasizing not only professional growth but also personal aspiration, teamwork, and the importance of dreaming big.
Throughout their time in Chicago, our new associates also enjoyed several social events that encouraged networking with each other and their new Foley colleagues. Activities included wellness sessions, a dinner cruise along the Chicago River, and department dinners at some of the city’s best restaurants. The week also offered a meaningful opportunity to give back, as associates were introduced to Foley’s national philanthropic partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). After hearing from Frank Pasquesi, managing partner of Foley’s Chicago office, and Susanna Wickham, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, associates packed 280 hygiene kits filled with various bathroom and personal care items, along with notes of encouragement for local Chicago Club members — reinforcing Foley’s commitment to service and leaving a positive mark on the community.
After four days of learning, connecting, and getting to know the firm and our people, the associates returned to their offices across the country ready to start making their mark. We look forward to seeing the energy, fresh perspectives, and talent this group brings to Foley. Next up, the group will participate in the New Associate Academy series, which will continue to equip them with the insights, skills, and knowledge they need to thrive throughout their first year and beyond. Their journey is just beginning, and we are excited to see the goals they will achieve and how they will grow in their careers at Foley.
Welcome, Foley’s 2025 New Associate Class!