Vaults 2020 Quality of Life, Diversity, and Summer Associate Program Rankings are Here!

Vaults 2020 Quality of Life, Diversity, and Summer Associate Program Rankings are HereVaults 2020 Quality of Life, Diversity, and Summer Associate Program Rankings are HereVaults2020 Quality of Life, Diversity, and Summer Associate Program rankings are here, and OMelveny Myers LLP has made history as the first firm to earn the No. 1 spot in the overall ranking for each category. This year, nearly 20,000 associates participated in Vaults Annual Associate Survey. Given the increasing response rate to the survey, Vault has expanded its Overall Best Law Firms to Work For ranking from 25 firms to 50 firms. Choate nachhall Stewart LLP, Cleary Gottlieb Steen Hamilton LLP, and Jackson Walker L.L.P. all broke into the top 10 this year. The top 25 saw significant movement, as well, with Covington Burling LLP, Cozen OConnor, Gibbons P.C., Morgan Lewis Bockius LLP, and Willkie Farr Gallagher LLP moving in. After reclaiming the No. 1 spot as Best Law Firm to Work For from Paul Hastings LLP last year, OMelveny held onto the spot again this year, leading the No. 2 firm- Latham Watkins LLP- by .045 points with a score of 9.218.Vaults 2019 Top 10 Best Law Firms to Work For areOMelveny Myers LLPLatham Watkins LLPClifford Chance US LLPOrrick, Herrington Sutcliffe LLPFried, Frank, Harris, Shriver Jacobson LLPRopes Gray LLPPaul Hastings LLPJackson Walker L.L.P.Cleary Gottlieb Steen Hamilton LLPChoate Hall Stewart LLPThe top 10 Best to Work For firms are truly a diverse group, with no typical firm profile- the firms span size and geographic location. Latham and Clifford Chance each have more than 2,000 lawyers, while Choate has fewer than 200 lawyers. And the firms roots reach everywhere from Boston to California to New York to Texas to the U.K.Associates at No. 1 OMelveny rave about the firms culture, describing it as exceptional, friendly, and laid-back. In the words of one associate at the firm, I am challenged daily and am grateful for that.Based on our survey data , the two biggest factors associates weighed when selecting their firms were quality of work and firm culture, said Mary Kate Sheridan, Vaults Senior Law Editor. OMelveny has clearly created a professional and social culture that has satisfied behauptung priorities.Vaults Quality of Life RankingsThe Law Firm Quality of Life Rankings are derived from Vaults Annual Associate Survey in which nearly 20,000 associates rated and commented on various aspects of their work lives. This years Best 50 Law Firms to Work For rankings were calculated using a formula that weighs associate ratings in a dozen different areas Overall Satisfaction (25%) Firm Culture (10%) Hours (10%) Quality of Work (10%) Compensation (10%) Business Outlook (5%) Career Outlook (5%) Associate/freund Relations (5%) Transparency (5%) Informal and Formal Training (5%) Pro Bono (5%) and Overall Diversity (5%).Vault Introduces Technology Innovation RankingThis year, Vault introduced a new ranking Technology and Innovation. Associates were asked to rate their satisfaction with their firms technology in terms of work efficiency, remote working, and innovation on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being completely unsatisfied and 10 being completely satisfied). Effective technology is becoming more and more important to the efficient practice of law, especially with the rise of remote working, said Sheridan. But technology is an area in which many firms struggle, especially in terms of striking the right balance between security and innovation, so firms that excel are far ahead of the curve.Vaults 2020 Top 10 Firms for Technology Innovation areCozen OConnorLatham Watkins LLPOMelveny Myers LLPWhite Case LLPOrrick, Herrington Sutcliffe LLPKirkland Ellis LLPRopes Gray LLPLittler Mendelson P.C.Cleary Gottlieb Steen Hamilton LLPWilmerHaleWith an impressive score of 9.465, Cozen OConnor captured the top spot in Vaults inaugural ranking. One associate sums up the firms technology commitment Technology never hi nders me and only ever helps me complete my work, whether at home or at the office. Our firm is very innovative and constantly adopting new platforms to deliver legal services.Five Quality of Life Sub-Categories See New LeadersVaults Quality of Life rankings include 15 subcategories. This year saw many of these sub-categories maintain the same leaders. OMelveny held onto its No. 1 spots in Satisfaction, Firm Culture, Hours, Associate/Partner Relations, and Quality of Work Wachtell continued as the leader in Compensation- a position it has held since the 2014 ranking Williams Connolly LLP ranked No. 1 in Selectivity for the third year in a row and Patterson Belknap Webb Tyler LLP once again took the top spot for Integration of Laterals Clerks.But some rankings saw new leaders ascend, with Latham leading the way. Latham captured three No. 1 rankings this year Business Outlook Informal Training, Mentoring, Sponsorship and Transparency. OMelveny also moved from its No. 2 spot in Car eer Outlook to take the No. 1 position. And Patterson Belknap added another top ranking, moving from No. 2 to No. 1 in Pro Bono.The No. 1 firms in Vaults Quality of Life categories areAssociate/Partner Relations OMelveny Myers LLPBusiness Outlook Latham Watkins LLPCareer Outlook OMelveny Myers LLPCompensation Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen KatzFirm Culture OMelveny Myers LLPFormal Training Ropes Gray LLPHours OMelveny Myers LLPInformal Training, Mentoring, Sponsorship Latham Watkins LLPIntegration of Laterals Clerks Patterson Belknap Webb Tyler LLPPro Bono Patterson Belknap Webb Tyler LLPQuality of Work OMelveny Myers LLPSatisfaction OMelveny Myers LLPSelectivity Williams Connolly LLPTechnology Innovation Cozen OConnorTransparency Latham Watkins LLPLatham Is Only Firm to Rank in the Top 10 of Every Quality of Life RankingNot only did Latham capture three No. 1 rankings for quality of life this year, but it is also the only firm to rank in the top 10 of every quality of lif e category. The firm made several impressive jumps, including capturing the No. 5 spot for Hours after previously being unranked, jumping from No. 17 to No. 3 for Quality of Work, leaping from No. 11 to No. 1 for Business Outlook, moving from No. 14 to No. 2 for Firm Culture, and breaking into Associate/Partner Relations at No. 8 after previously being unranked. Associates describe Latham as extremely collaborative, laid back, and social and note its positive morale and culture. When it comes to relationships with leadership, one associate shares that partners and associates work together collaboratively, and it feels like a team and not an us versus them hierarchy.OMelveny is Top Firm for Overall Diversity Three Other Firms Reach the Top 10 in Every Diversity CategoryOMelveny reigns supreme when it comes to diversity in the 2020 Vault rankings. The firm not only claimed the No. 1 spot for Overall Diversity- moving up from its spot at No. 2 in the 2019 rankings- but it also ranked N o. 1 as the Best Law Firm for Diversity for Individuals with Disabilities, Diversity for LGBTQ Individuals, and Diversity for Women. As one OMelveny associate indicated, There are few firms who take diversity as seriously as OMM.Constangy, Brooks, Smith Prophete LLP held on to the top spot for Best Law Firm for Diversity for Minorities. In addition to OMelveny- which also ranked No. 3 for Diversity for Racial Minorities- three law firms ranked in the top 10 of all five of Vaults diversity rankings Carlton Fields Orrick, Herrington Sutcliffe LLP and Ropes Gray LLP.Vault produces rankings in four individual diversity categories Diversity for Individuals with Disabilities, Diversity for LGBTQ Individuals, Diversity for Racial Minorities, and Diversity for Women. To create our Overall Diversity ranking, Vault averages the ratings from these four categories.OMelvenys Summer Program Sits Atop Vaults Rankings Thompson Knight Takes Top Spot for Best Summer Associate Program for Attorney InteractionsOMelveny held onto its No. 1 rankings for Best Overall Summer Associate Program and Best Summer Associate Programs for Career Development, and the firm claimed the top ranking as the Best Summer Associate Program for Social Experiences.Thompson KnightLLP jumped from its spot last year at No. 5 to No. 1 for Best Summer Associate Programs for Attorney Interactions.This year, five firms achieved spots in the top 10 for all four summer program rankings Akin Gump Strauss Hauer Feld LLP, Clifford Chance US LLP, Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP, OMelveny, and Orrick.Vault asked junior associates (first years through third years) who participated in their current firms summer associate program to rate their experiences on a scale of 1 to 10 in six different areas. From those ratings, we ranked the best summer associate programs in three categories Attorney Interactions (based on associates scores for meaningful interactions with firm attorneys) Career Development (giving equal w eight to associates scores for substantive assignments, training and mentoring, and effective preparation for life as an associate) and Social Experiences (giving equal weight to associates scores for the quality of events and satisfaction with firm-sponsored social opportunities and social interactions). The Overall Best Summer Associate Program ranking reflects the average of all six individual ratings (attorney interactions, substantive assignments, training mentoring, preparation for associate life, quality of events, and satisfaction with firm-sponsored social opportunities and social interactions).Access the complete platzdeckchen of each of these rankings here Vault 2020 Best Law Firms to Work For, Vault 2020 Best Law Firms for Diversity, Vault 2020 Best Summer Associate Programs.

Air Force Customs and Courtesies

Air Force Customs and CourtesiesAir Force Customs and CourtesiesWithin the Air Force, there are numerous customs and courtesies that have evolved. These come from both a need for order and an established tradition of respect among military personnel. These customs arent just basic politeness but are important parts of morale-building and discipline. And military customs and courtesies are designed to help ensure respect for the chain of command. One of the oldest and most revered traditions across all branches of the U.S. military is showing respect for the American flag. Saluting is an important way for juniorchefin military members to show respect for officers. And even things like entering or exiting a vehicle have a proper order when it comes to a group of mixed-rank military members. Here are some of the most fundamental courtesies expected of Air Force (and other U.S. military) personnel. Showing Respect for the American Flag All personnel in uniform and outside must face a nd salute the flag while it is raised and lowered. When the national anthem or the bugle call To the Colors are played, all personnel in uniform who arent in formation are expected to stand and face the flag and hold a salute until the song is ended. Any vehicles in motion should stop as the music is played, and occupants should sit quietly until the music ends. When wearing civilian clothes, military personnel should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. If indoors during retreat or reveille, theres no need to stand or salute. However, everyone must stand during the playing of the national anthem, such as before a movie is played in a base theater. Theres no expectation for military personnel to salute a folded or cased flag, or to stand during the national anthem when it is performed on television or the radio. Saluting Senior Military Officers The salute is a greeting that requires the junior member to acknowledge the senior member first. A salute is also rendered to the flag as a sign of respect. Any airman, noncommissioned officer (NCO)or officer may salute at any time. When saluting, the head and eyes are turned toward the flag or person saluted. When in ranks, a position of attention is maintained unless otherwise directed. Outdoor salutes are exchanged between officers or warrant officers and enlisted members of the armed forces whenever they are in uniform. Enlisted members are not required to salute among themselves. This applies both on and off military installations. The junior member should always begin a salute in time to allow the senior officer to return it. If the oben liegend officer has his hands full or is otherwise unable to return the salute physically, he can nod or acknowledge it verbally. These procedures are also followed when greeting an officer of a foreign nation. When in formation, members do not salute unless given the command to do so. Normally the person in charge salutes on behalf of the whole formation. If a senior officerapproaches a group, not in formation, the first person who notices the officer calls the rest of the group to attention. Then, all face the officer and salute. All in the group must remain at attention unless otherwise ordered if the officer addresses the group or a member of the group. Once the conversation has ended, the group salutes the officer. Salutes between individuals are not required in public gatherings, such as sporting events or meetings, or when a salute would be inappropriate or impractical. Salutes between military pedestrians such as gate sentries and officers in moving military vehicles are not required. If a passenger in the vehicle is easily identified, such as in a marked staff vehicle, a salute is expected. Military members in uniform may salute civilians, and must always salute the president of the United States, in her capacity as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. Also, if appropriate, it is customary for military me mbers in civilian clothes to exchange salutes upon recognition. When in a work detail, individual workers do not salute, rather the person in charge salutes for the entire detail.And when indoors, except for formal reporting and some military ceremonies, salutes are not required. Some Exceptions to Saluting If your arms are full, you dont have to salute simply extend a verbal greeting. Always try tocarry items in your left hand if possible so you can salute. If an officers arms are full, but yours are not, extend a verbal greeting and salute. Once the officer acknowledges your salute or passes you, drop your salute. Salutes are not required if either member is incivilian clothing. You may salute if you recognize the officer. Do not salute empty staff vehicles or ones without an officer bumper plate or flag. If you and an officer are walking in the same direction, and you overtake the officer from the rear, you may pass the officer from behind without saluting. An appropriate ver bal greeting, such as by your leave, sir, is customary. In addition to common etiquette such as being on time, refraining from gossipand using please and thank you whenever possible, there are some additional expectations within the military. Military members should address civilians with courtesy titles such as Mr. or Ms. as a general rule. Always address a superior formally, unless otherwise instructed. Courtesies to Other Services TheAir Force, Army, and Navy, Marinesand Coast Guard all are part of the military team, so military members should extend the same military courtesies to members of the other tafelgeschirrs. This is equally true of the friendly armed forces of the United Nations. Salute all commissioned officers and pay the same respect to the national anthems and flags of other nations as rendered the Americannational anthem and flag. While it is not necessary to learn the identifying insignia of the military grades of all nations, you should learn the insignia of the most frequently contacted nations, particularly during an overseas assignment. When walking, ridingor sitting with a senior officer, the junior person should take the position to the seniors left. Unless told otherwise, rise and stand at attention when a senior official enters or departs a room. If more than one person is present, the person who first sees the officer calls the group to attention. However, if there is an officer already in the room who is equal to or has a higher rank than the officer entering the room, do not call the room to attention. Military personnel enter automobiles and small boats in reverse order of rank. Juniors will enter a vehicle first (and take their appropriate seat on the seniors left). The senior officer will be the last to enter the vehicle and the first to leave it. Upon entering or leaving transport aircraft, the senior officer enters last and exits first. This procedure only applies to passengers and not to crewmembers of the aircraft. A ddressing Senior Officers by Name Senior service members frequently address juniors by their first names, but this practice does not give juniors the privilege of addressing seniors in any way other than by proper titles. If airmen are present, senior service members should address junior service members by their titles. Service members of the same grade, when among themselves, may address one another by their given names. Junior service members should always be conservative until they can sense what is appropriate. Its always better to err on the side of being too formal rather than too familiar.

4 Ideas to Help You Regain Control Over Your Priorities

4 Ideas to Help You Regain Control Over Yur Priorities4 Ideas to Help You Regain Control Over Your PrioritiesShadow most senior managers and organizational leaders for a day as they traverse a seemingly endless string of obstacles, interruptions, and minor and major crises, and you will be justified in wondering how they do it. Absent from the daily firefighting is time for contemplation of the larger issues and big decisions. Thats a shame because it is our ability to deliberately focus on those issues and cultivate creative solutions that allow our organizations to flourish. However, with the investment of only 20 minutes of quiet time during your day, you might just be able to regain control of your priorities and enhance your effectiveness as a manager. The Daily Reality for Most Managers The daily demands our world of work require us to draw more upon our survival skills and the fast-thinking, automatic response center of our brain. From gruppe members looking for input to b eing called in to navigate an emerging crisis with a customer, every day seems to take on the tone of the nightly news. If the emergent issues werent time and energy consuming enough, too many of us allow our time allocation to be dictated by others via control of our calendars. I regularly audit the calendars of coaching clients and typically find that more than half of the time in a typical week is spoken for by recurring meetingsscheduled by others. Most of these meetings are status updates that can easily be eliminated with a little discipline. Beware When the Fire Drill Becomes Addictive For some of us, the daily drill becomes a comfortable pattern that keeps us engaged and involved. Unfortunately, we are engaged and involved at a transactional level and once again, those larger decisions and looming issues are pushed to the back of the line. For those who become addicted to the daily sprint, time spent in contemplation of the larger issues almost seems like cheating. pers pektive are, managerial or leadership role is an improper use of their skills and interests. For conscientious leaders who understand they must find time to deal with those topics, the lack of time to deal with them is frustrating. Its time to seize control of yourself, your priorities and your daily activities. Retrain Your Brain By Carving Out20 Minutes to Focus Increasingly, top leaders and rising managers in organizations large and small describe the benefit of carving out a dedicated time in their daily lives for quiet contemplation and introspection.From the practice of meditation, or mindfulness, your ability to silence your mind and focus carefully on either something positive or nothing at all, tischsets the tone for a more controlled day with the emphasis on the right issues. While you might discount this practice as some fad intended to sell books and training, it turns out theres plenty of science supporting the benefits of focused time or meditation. At a basic lev el, the brain has a number of different control centers that support our survival. One system manages the many routine tasks of living, and we dont spend much time at all conscious of this systems activities. Another portion of the brain owns our response to danger and triggers the appropriate chemical and physiological reactions necessary when faced with an issue. When stimulated, this portion of the brain seizes control, suppressing the more deliberate, executive center where higher order thinking takes place. The executive center of our brain is responsible for slow, deliberate thinking. Its where we generate ideas, solve problems and deal with the big issues. Unfortunately, it has limited capacity and is quickly shut down by distractions. It takes effortto engage this part of the brain and reap its amazing capabilities. The work of focusing on breathing for example or simply clearing our minds allows this executive center to emerge, pushing that important but obnoxious automati c system into the background and suppressing the negative emotions that trigger fight, flight or freeze. The process of focusing and drawing upon this center supports a positive rewiring to emphasize higher order thinking. 4 Ideas to Help You Focus for 20 Minutes A search on the term mindfulness will uncover a variety of resources applicable to business professionals. However, in the interest of helping you right now, here are four ideas to help you get started in seizing control of your day and improving your effectiveness as a manager or leader. First, build a short block of time into your daily routine. If necessary, set your alarm for half an hour earlier and after you are awake, find a quiet location and deliberately eliminate distractions. My advice is to avoid your smartphone or e-mail until well after your brief period of contemplation or meditation.Try clearing your mind and focusing on your breathing. If stray thoughts trickle in, push them away and resume your concent ration on your breathing. Do this for twenty minutes. This deliberate focus fires the neurons in your executive center and strengthens the connections for your use of the center in your daily life. Invoke your Wise Advisor to consider your recent actions and outcomes. Think about someone you are struggling to deal with and ask yourself What motivates this person? Or, focus on one problem and ask yourself, How might someone else view this problem? Be careful to focus on just one issue per session.Another variation involves replacing your negative thoughts on coworkers or problems att work with more positive perspectives in order to alter your approach. The Bottom Line Regardless of what you do to press the unterlass button on the chaos and noise around you, the fact that you do it will pay dividends in terms of improved mood and attitude and an increased ability to focus on priorities. Additionally, many leaders report doing a better job engaging with and guiding team members. De velop the discipline to turn off the noise and focus internally, and you will be better prepared to not only survive but thrive.