Exceptional professional expertise is an absolute must for any career with Hogan Lovells. The further your career progresses, the more important it is that you can demonstrate communicative and persuasive prowess, as well as leadership and management skills. This is why we call ourselves "The People Development Firm", because we offer a people development programme that is tailored to suit the individual needs of our lawyers and the demands of the business.

"Career Dialogue" is aimed at all associates in their first few years with the firm, and focuses on providing feedback on their performance to date, discussing ideas for targeted skills development, and elaborating on professional objectives. The aim is for the associates to reflect on their career to date, and plan which professional areas they want to focus on initially, as well as on their individual career path. Preparation for promotion to senior associate is particularly important. This process involves discussing the requirements and expectations that accompany the future role, as well as making specific recommendations. In addition to developing associates' people skills and optimising their professional presence, building up business development activities become increasingly important.

With its "Career coaching" for all senior associates and counsels, Hogan Lovells offers highly individual people development methods. At these stages of their careers, our lawyers are given management responsibilities, including people leadership, professional responsibility, client relationship development and international team coordination. The coaching focuses on strengthening the leadership and methodological skills required for these responsibilities, with an emphasis on lawyers' personal objectives. The focal points are selected by each individual and are then defined and planned together with the coach.

While both measures have different focal points, the underlying concept is the same. They are voluntary, individual, confidential, and are led by experienced coaches with specific training in the field.

(note: article reference "Quo vadis, Prädikatsjurist?": Personalwirtschaft 06/2010. www.personalwirtschaft.de)