The New Prestige Question: Which Law Firms Actually Develop Associates?

Prestige may help law students choose where to start, but the better long-term question is whether a firm teaches associates how to become valuable, trusted, and marketable lawyers.

For years, law students have been trained to ask one question about law firms:

Which firm is the most prestigious?

That question is understandable.

Prestige matters. It can open doors. It can influence future opportunities. It can affect client perception, recruiter interest, lateral mobility, and résumé strength.

But prestige is not the whole answer.

A pres…