For decades, junior lawyers developed foundational skills by handling the repetitive, labor-intensive tasks that underpin many matters - due diligence, discovery, research and first-draft preparation. This created a structured apprenticeship that built capability while allowing firms to bill for juniors’ time. An elegant model where expertise grew alongside revenue. Some firms now run multi-week bootcamps for new lawyers before they take on client work, blending teaching, drafting drills and simulations, so juniors begin practice ready for higher-level tasks. Caitlin Vaughn, Managing Director of Learning & Professional Development at Goodwin says of their award-winning First Year Development Program, “It runs over five weeks, with associates completing business and litigation simulations before joining live workshops. The approach builds skills, judgement, and confidence. The feedback from both partners and participants is glowingly positive.”
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