Thompson Coburn Launches Emerge Leadership Program

Thompson Coburn's commitment to attorney development is highlighted by the launch of its Emerge Leadership Program. More than two dozen associates and counsel gathered in St. Louis to kick off the program, which focuses on building leadership capabilities and advancing legal careers.

Chief Diversity & Attorney Development Officer Norma Jackson collaborated with the Firm Management Committee and Kelli Dunaway of Aspire to finalize the program. Participants will gain valuable insights through interaction with firm leadership and ongoing coaching through May 2025.

St. Louis associate and Emerge participant Drew Moore said providing the best client service “requires maintaining focus on the professional success and emotional health of our Thompson Coburn colleagues. Building on the Firm’s culture of long-term, sustainable success involves prioritizing individual goals and communication styles just as much as anticipating market and business trends.”

Drew highlighted the benefits of having diverse perspectives in the program. “It was particularly valuable to share experiences with colleagues from other offices and practice groups,” he said. “We also listened thoughtfully to each other’s approaches to complicated hypotheticals while workshopping realistic solutions.”

Another program participant, Washington, D.C. counsel Katie Wendel, said, “It was so great to take a couple of days and step back from the day-to-day business and busy-ness to look at the big picture and think about how my work and my role on the team fits into that.”

She added that it was an opportunity to meet others from the firm. “I loved getting to know other counsel and senior associates, who I hope to continue working with for many years to come. It is obvious that the firm is committed to our development and growth, as a number of firm leaders joined us for our engaging sessions, and many traveled to St. Louis to attend. I really appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the Emerge program!”

The Day 1 program agenda included an introduction to law firm leadership, tips for delegation that sets people up for success, and an introduction of motivational needs. Firm partners who presented in the Day 1 session included Adrienne Clair, Jesse Halpern, Matt Landwehr, Jeff Masson, and Erick VanDorn.
 
The Day 2 agenda focused on understanding the business of law, the four c’s of great leaders (competency, commitment, courage and candor), and giving & receiving feedback with emotional intelligence. Firm partners and senior staff who presented in the Day 2 session include Allen Capdeboscq, Matt Finke, Evan Goldfarb, Laura Jordan, Ryan Russell Kemper, Sara Melly, and Thomas Rea.