We place a great deal of emphasis on training our associates. One of the most valuable sources of training is working closely on a daily basis with partners and associates who have extensive experience in their fields. Another source is the H&H Academy — the firm's formal training institution that offers substantive training in our four specific practice areas on topics such as bankruptcy, Internet law, accounting and financial analysis, Patent and Trademark Office initiatives, and legal ethics. The academy also sponsors practical skills training on topics such as how to deliver effective presentations, client service, negotiating, client meetings, and legal drafting.

Additionally, all new associates attend a week long orientation program, held in the Washington, D.C. office in the fall. Some practice areas provide additional intensive training later in the fall and winter of the associate's first year. In addition, lawyers may participate in training programs that occur in other offices of the firm via telephone, Web-based access, and videoconference.

Practice groups also provide training and professional development opportunities through practice group meetings and training programs.

Finally, we encourage our associates to participate in training programs that are sponsored by third party organizations such as the American Law Institute/American Bar Association, the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, and the Practicing Law Institute. The H&H Academy Web site on the firm's Intranet provides links to the academy's training calendar, in-house and off-site training opportunities, and state bar and bar review information.