THE FIRM: Sidley Austin LLP, with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia and approximately 2000 lawyers, is one of the largest law firms in the world. Our diversified global practice encompasses the entire spectrum of corporate, transactional, litigation and governmental matters. Nationwide and throughout the world, Sidley Austin LLP prides itself on the breadth of its practice and the quality of its representation of an extraordinary client base, including many of the world's leading industrial enterprises, financial institutions, professional firms, health care providers and media and communications companies, as well as governmental and public entities and sovereign nations.

THE DALLAS OFFICE: The lawyers in Sidley’s Dallas office serve clients in the areas of intellectual property, private equity, global finance, restructuring, investment funds, energy, tax and complex commercial litigation. The office, which opened in 1996 and is located in the Uptown area adjacent to the acclaimed Dallas Arts District, is home to a strong team of highly experienced lawyers who have practiced in the city for many years and advised clients in a broad range of industries.

NEW ASSOCIATES: In addition to a firmwide orientation, many of the practice groups provide additional group-specific orientation and training. Other opportunities include the Litigation Skills Program and "Corporate College." We engage in detailed, semiannual reviews of each associate's performance, progress toward partnership, and overall growth as a lawyer. We normally begin considering associates for partnership during their eighth year. Progress toward partnership is determined on an individual basis and may vary among associates graduating in the same year.

SUMMER PROGRAM: Our summer associate program is an invaluable window into our practice and firm culture. We provide our summer associates with something priceless -- experience. Our summer associates are able to perform legal work under the supervision of our lawyers. Such direct participation enables the summer associate to observe the way our attorneys help to solve problems and create opportunities for our clients. We also offer voluntary training programs.