Constructing Core Competencies: Using Competency Models to Manage Firm Talent

CHICAGO, Nov. 9, 2007 – When it comes to improving a law firm’s internal dynamic and molding its legal talent, Robert Ruyak, co-author of Constructing Core Competencies: Using Competency Models to Manage Firm Talent advises, “Creating a culture that is not afraid to take chances, to take risks other firms might shun, and to innovate, requires leadership that is focused, shows tenacity against naysayers, and possesses a certain amount of courage.”

Competency models can be invaluable tools for law firms looking for effective ways to enhance their development programs. The key is finding the right competency model to follow. Constructing Core Competencies goes beyond identifying problem areas and offering general solutions. It offers practical advice on developing a business case for the model, gaining support, defining critical competencies, constructing the mechanics of a program, appointing experts and advisors, and establishing safeguards to ensure success.

Published by the American Bar Association ABA-CLE Career Resource Center and written by the recipients of the 2006 National Association for Law Placement Award for Excellence, Ruyak, chair and CEO of Howrey LLP, and Heather Bock, director of professional development at Howrey LLP, Constructing Core Competencies presents a practical and detailed plan that firms can adopt to help optimize associate performance. This step-by-step guide demonstrates how a firm, small or large, can create a competency program suited to its unique culture.

With an indispensable “toolkit” included in the contents, Constructing Core Competencies will help facilitate firm-wide communications regarding the program and orchestrate competency model development and implementation. The toolkit contains:

• Examples of executive and partner communications
• Models for conducting “behavioral event interviews”
• Sample fact sheets to answer “Frequently Asked Questions”
• Guides for monitoring and managing how the firm adapts to the change
• Ways to identify and appoint “competency czars”
• Training academy evaluations
• Performance evaluation forms

Constructing Core Competencies should be an essential part of every law firm’s curriculum for enabling associate success and fostering the organization’s viability.

Title: Constructing Core Competencies: Using Competency Models to Manage Firm Talent
Publisher: American Bar Association ABA-CLE Career Resource Center
Pages: 133
Product Code: V05CCCB
ISBN: 978-1-59031-491-3
Size: 7×10
Binding: Paperback
Price: $49.95 (Regular); $37.45 (ABA Member)
Orders: Visit www.abacelcatalog.org or call 800-285-2221.
Request Product Code V05CCCB.

With more than 413,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world.  As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice; promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work; accredits law schools; provides continuing legal education; and builds public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

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Editor’s note: Review copies are available by sending an e-mail to Yasmin Waring at waringy@staff.abanet.org .  If you publish a review of this book, please send tearsheets or a copy for our files to Yasmin Waring, ABA Center for Continuing Legal Education, 321 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610.