Our clients come to us for the finest legal advice and service. Our ability to respond to the needs of our clients in an increasingly open and global environment requires that our community members possess a broad range of skills and experiences. We are committed to bringing to our firm the best talent and supporting all colleagues in achieving their full potential.
Inclusion is a bedrock of our culture. This commitment stems naturally from the values that shape our firm. To continue to flourish, our firm will strive to recruit and develop the finest talent of all backgrounds and beliefs. We will build and sustain a community that respects the different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our colleagues. We deeply value collaboration and collegiality, and we seek these characteristics in those we select to represent the firm as partners, counsel, associates, and professional staff.
We believe that to enable colleagues of all backgrounds to do their best work, we must foster an inclusive, respectful, and safe working environment.
We recognize that barriers and biases can hinder colleagues from realizing their full potential and teams from delivering their best work. We are committed to ensuring that in all our development initiatives, colleagues of all identities and backgrounds have the opportunities for growth and support.
Professional skills development and coaching – Individual coaching support and professional skills training programs are designed to support Debevoise lawyers in mastering key skills in writing, negotiation, team management, presenting and communicating, counteracting implicit bias, business development and other areas critical for success.
Leadership development – Our leadership development programming builds critical leadership and relationship-building skills through interactive expert workshops, partner panels and individualized support focused on business development, developing trusted relationships with clients and peers, and career management.
Career coaching – Finding the right career path can take many twists and turns. Our in-house careers support team provides valuable insights and tools to Debevoise lawyers to help them plan their career paths.
Mentoring – All associates participate in a formal advisory program and are assigned associate and partner advisors who provide mentorship and guidance on career and practice development. These advising relationships often span and impact one’s entire career.
Affinity Groups – Our affinity groups provide a space for community and support to their members and are open to everyone in our community. Their programs are designed to bring together colleagues for networking, engagement, and education. Our 14 affinity groups play a key role in helping everyone feel welcomed and valued at the firm.
- Asian Affinity Group
- Black Lawyers Affinity Group
- Disability Affinity Group
- First Generation Professionals Affinity Group
- International Lawyers Affinity Group
- Jewish Affinity Group
- Latin@Debevoise Affinity Group
- LGBTQ+ Affinity Group
- Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Affinity Group
- Muslim Affinity Group
- Native American Affinity Group
- Parents Resource Group
- Veterans Resource Group
- Women’s Resource Group
Conferences – Investing in attendance of industry events and conferences enables associates to develop their networks, connect with industry experts and stay on top of legal and business developments.
Alumni – Lawyers whose ambitions and career goals lead them outside the firm benefit from a robust event calendar, online job resources, access to the firm’s career coach, and other opportunities to stay connected to and benefit from the firm, including through an alumni-to-associates mentoring program.
Centralized staffing – Junior lawyers are staffed based on available hours, providing broad access and exposure to cases that will enhance their development.
Pro bono work – Debevoise has a long-standing and widely recognized commitment to pro bono work. All lawyers, including summers, are encouraged to contribute to firm pro bono work while building their lawyering skills.