At McCormick Barstow, we believe mentoring relationships and training programs are critical to the evolution of a successful legal career.

We place a high priority on professional development and support, both formalized and on-the-job. A first-year associate will begin his or her career at McCormick Barstow by participating in general orientation and training programs focused on topics including professional ethics, client service and time-management.

Further, we offer an extensive schedule of in-house training programs throughout the year that are aimed at educating our new lawyers and keeping our experienced lawyers current in their fields. For example, we host a firm-wide orientation day where all first year and recent lateral attorney hires come to Fresno for a day-long training followed by dinner at a partner’s home. With many partners in attendance to serve as advisors, intensive formal training takes place, as well as informal mentoring and coaching.

Of course, the professional development that takes place day-to-day is invaluable. Lawyers with specialties in different areas work cooperatively, sharing their knowledge, and senior attorneys give associates instruction, guidance and feedback on an ongoing, informal basis.

Constructive feedback from experienced colleagues is one of the most valuable learning tools you will ever encounter. To enhance the professional growth and development of our associates, McCormick Barstow has a performance evaluation system that is intended to provide associates with clear and specific feedback on their performance. Our evaluation system includes an associate self-evaluation questionnaire, written evaluation forms and training for partners on how to conduct meaningful performance reviews. We also provide training for associates on how to get the most out of their review session.

Associates receive two reviews: a mid-year review in April and a second review in October. We currently evaluate each associate’s performance based on the criteria set forth below:

• Professional Competencies
  • Written and Oral Communication
  • Research and Analytical Ability
  • Creativity and Flexibility
  • Judgment
  • Professional Ethics
  • Crisis Management
• Work Ethic
• Interpersonal Skills
• Client Interactions