Trial Attorney Onboarding Checklist

Trial Attorney Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Trial Attorney starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Legal onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Trial Attorney, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Trial Attorney onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Trial Attorney Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the Firm: The trial attorney should be introduced to the firm’s structure, culture, and values. This task is typically performed by a senior partner or a designated HR representative who provides an overview of the firm’s history, mission, and expectations.

2. Orientation to Office Policies: The trial attorney should receive a comprehensive orientation to the firm’s office policies, including dress code, attendance, timekeeping, and use of technology. This task is usually performed by the HR department or an office manager.

3. Introduction to Support Staff: The trial attorney should be introduced to the support staff, such as paralegals, legal assistants, and administrative personnel, who will assist them in their daily tasks. This introduction can be facilitated by the HR department or a designated supervisor.

4. Familiarization with Case Management Systems: The trial attorney should receive training on the firm’s case management systems, including how to access and update case files, track deadlines, and communicate with clients. This training is typically provided by the IT department or a designated technology specialist.

5. Review of Ethical Rules and Professional Conduct: The trial attorney should undergo a thorough review of the ethical rules and professional conduct applicable to their jurisdiction. This task is usually performed by a senior attorney or the firm’s ethics committee.

6. Introduction to Firm’s Legal Research Tools: The trial attorney should be introduced to the firm’s legal research tools, such as online databases, legal libraries, and subscription services. This training is typically provided by a designated research librarian or a senior attorney.

7. Shadowing Senior Attorneys: The trial attorney should have the opportunity to shadow senior attorneys to observe courtroom procedures, client meetings, and negotiations. This task is usually coordinated by the firm’s mentoring program or a designated supervisor.

8. Introduction to Firm’s Billing and Timekeeping Practices: The trial attorney should receive training on the firm’s billing and timekeeping practices, including how to accurately record billable hours and expenses. This training is typically provided by the accounting or finance department.

9. Introduction to Firm’s Marketing and Business Development Strategies: The trial attorney should be familiarized with the firm’s marketing and business development strategies, including client acquisition, networking, and maintaining client relationships. This task is usually performed by the firm’s marketing department or a designated business development manager.

10. Review of Firm’s Professional Development Opportunities: The trial attorney should be informed about the firm’s professional development opportunities, such as continuing legal education programs, conferences, and workshops. This information is typically provided by the HR department or a designated professional development coordinator.

11. Introduction to Firm’s Pro Bono Initiatives: The trial attorney should be introduced to the firm’s pro bono initiatives and encouraged to participate in pro bono work. This introduction is typically facilitated by the firm’s pro bono committee or a designated pro bono coordinator.

12. Review of Firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Policies: The trial attorney should receive a review of the firm’s diversity and inclusion policies, including initiatives to promote a diverse and inclusive work environment. This task is usually performed by the HR department or a designated diversity and inclusion committee.

13. Introduction to Firm’s Health and Safety Policies: The trial attorney should be familiarized with the firm’s health and safety policies, including emergency procedures, workplace ergonomics, and wellness programs. This introduction is typically provided by the HR department or a designated health and safety officer.

14. Introduction to Firm’s Social Events and Networking Opportunities: The trial attorney should be informed about the firm’s social events and networking opportunities, such as holiday parties, team-building activities, and industry conferences. This information is typically provided by the HR department or a designated social events coordinator.

15. Review of Firm’s Conflict of Interest Policies: The trial attorney should undergo a review of the firm’s conflict of interest policies and procedures to ensure compliance with ethical obligations. This task is usually performed by the firm’s conflicts department or a designated conflicts coordinator.

16. Introduction to Firm’s Client Intake and Engagement Processes: The trial attorney should receive training on the firm’s client intake and engagement processes, including conflict checks, engagement letters, and client communication protocols. This training is typically provided by the firm’s intake department or a designated client services coordinator.

17. Introduction to Firm’s Document Management Systems: The trial attorney should be introduced to the firm’s document management systems, including how to organize, store, and retrieve electronic and physical documents. This training is typically provided by the IT department or a designated document management specialist.

18. Review of Firm’s Fee Arrangements and Billing Practices: The trial attorney should receive a review of the firm’s fee arrangements and billing practices, including hourly rates, alternative fee structures, and client billing guidelines. This review is typically performed by the accounting or finance department.

19. Introduction to Firm’s Mentoring Program: The trial attorney should be paired with a mentor who can provide guidance, support, and career advice. This introduction is typically facilitated by the firm’s mentoring program or a designated mentoring coordinator.

20. Review of Firm’s Confidentiality and Data Security Policies: The trial attorney should undergo a review of the firm’s confidentiality and data security policies to ensure compliance with client confidentiality obligations and protection of sensitive information. This task is usually performed by the firm’s IT department or a designated data security officer

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Trial Attorney checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Trial Attorney up to speed and working well in your Legal team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.