Smith Joins Dykema As Professional Development Director

Senior Legal Personnel Professional to Strengthen Training and Development Programs

Press Releases

8.02.10

Chicago

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Morgan L. Smith as the firm’s first Professional Development Director, resident in the firm’s Chicago office.  She joins Dykema from Mayer Brown LLP, where she served as National Assistant Director of Attorney Development & Recruitment.

In this new position, Smith will design, implement and evaluate the firm’s attorney training and professional development programs with an emphasis on attorney integration, retention and mentoring, as well as specialized programs.  She will also manage Dykema’s Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program while working closely with Dykema’s Professional Personnel Member, Alan Greene, to align the firm’s human resources, diversity and recruiting efforts with the needs of the firm’s department directors and practice group leaders.

“Morgan will be an important resource to our attorneys and will play a lead role in helping shape the firm’s professional development strategy amid today’s shifting marketplace,” added Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr., Dykema’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  “Her significant experience working with a variety of global firms will also be a key asset as the firm continues to strategically expand its platform.”

“Morgan’s deep knowledge of legal industry training and development best practices will enhance our current programs and further the advancement of our attorneys throughout the firm,” explained Greene.  “We’re excited to welcome her to our team.”

Earlier in her career, Smith served as Firmwide Legal Personnel Manager at Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP and Legal Recruiting Manager at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

Smith is a member of the Association for Legal Career Professionals and currently co-chairs its Commission on Recruiting in the Legal Profession.  She is also a member of the Society for Human Resource Managers, the Chicago Professional Development Consortium as well as the Chicago Association of Legal Personnel Administrators.

Smith received a J.D. from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William & Mary and an A.B. from Mount Holyoke College.

About Dykema

A leading national law firm built upon its Midwestern heritage and values, Dykema has offices located in California, Illinois, Michigan, Texas and Washington, D.C., and a national practice focused on serving Fortune 1000 and middle-market companies. Dykema advises domestic and foreign-based companies and institutions on a wide variety of sophisticated business issues including corporate governance, litigation, growth strategies and risk reduction, financial services, mergers and acquisitions, international trade, e-commerce and many others. A strategic partner to its clients, Dykema maintains leading national vertical industry practices with substantial depth and experience, in areas including automotive, pharmaceutical/medical devices, financial services/insurance, and energy and electric distribution. Dykema continues to expand its work for companies who increasingly are attracted to the firm's sophisticated practices, skilled lawyers and commitment to providing value and quality service.