Pathway to Partnership

Helping our associates develop key client relationships.

Pathway Partnership is an innovative, business development program for diverse, senior associate attorneys in law firms. The program is designed to help associates develop client relationships, making them more competitive candidates for law firm partnership. The overarching goal of the program is to increase the number of diverse partners at large law firms in Chicago. As companies and law firms look for ways to improve racial equity in their organizations, the Pathway to Partnership Program provides a tangible way to create institutional change.

Through a rigorous application and interview process, the Chicago Committee and members of its Board of Directors selects talented, diverse, senior associates who are on track to make partner at their firms within one to three years.

The Chicago Committee selects a Board member to mentor each associate participant throughout the duration of the program. The Board member mentors the associate with respect to business relationship issues and soft skills.

The Chicago Committee’s Board of Directors contacts corporate clients who may be interested in participating in the program. Corporate clients must be willing and able to assign small matters to the associate participants. The goal is for corporate volunteers to begin to establish a relationship with diverse attorneys who are devoted to diversity and inclusion.

The Chicago Committee identifies a mentor from the associate’s law firm to serve as a mentor to the associate. The mentor operates as an intermediary who can assist the associate with substantive work issues. This may include overseeing the associate’s handling of the matter and work product.

The Chicago Committee makes pairings and coordinates meetings with Fellows and the corporate clients.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you are interested in participating in the Pathway to Partnership Program as a corporate partner or associate attorney, or would like additional information, please contact the Chicago Committee’s Executive Director, Anna Lloyd:

“Cushman & Wakefield is proud to participate in Chicago Committee’s Pathway to Partnership program to advance talented, diverse associates in the legal profession and assist them in building meaningful corporate client relationships. As we work to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in our own firm and the broader commercial real estate industry, we’re committed to aligning our efforts with like-minded organizations who share common goals to drive sustainable change at an institutional level across sectors.”

–Pamela Kain, Deputy General Counsel, Cushman & Wakefield

JLL