Midsize Law Firm Makes Big-Firm Commitment To Litigation Training for Associates

Bass, Berry & Sims PLC Provides Rare Trial Practice for Younger Lawyers

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, a leading
corporate law firm based in Nashville, Tenn., announced today the completion
of its first associate litigation training program, culminating in full-scale
mock jury trials at Vanderbilt University Law School.

The firm also took an unusual step by posting examples of the training
sessions, including opening statements, direct examinations, and closing
arguments, on YouTube. (Visit http://www.youtube.com/user/bassberry.)

The six-month program, spearheaded by attorneys Michael Dagley and Overton
Thompson, was designed to provide associates with direct litigation, trial
advocacy, and jury persuasion experience. The goal of the training, planned as
a regular event, is to prepare associates to become first-chair trial lawyers
early in their careers -- a client-service strategy to provide quality service
at non-senior rates.

"Our firm is committed to investing time and resources for training on a
scale that we believe has only previously been accomplished by larger firms,"
said Dagley. "Even at many larger firms, few associates can expect to try
cases, much less serve as first-chair."

"For us, the benefits are many," added Dagley. "We gain real competitive
advantages by sharing knowledge and experience with a new generation of top
attorneys, but we are also better positioned to provide superior client
service by building more diverse trial teams."

The firm's program, in which senior attorneys acted as judges, centered on a
mock case called BMI v. Minicom, a classic breach of contract case first
devised by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. The trials also provided
training for the firm's summer associates, who acted as jurors.

"It is a privilege to be given such extensive trial experience so early in my
career," associate attorney Allyn Rubright said. "At a time when so many other
firms are focusing only on their top rainmakers, Bass, Berry & Sims has
strategically focused on strengthening its litigation team, which, in turn,
allows for higher-quality service without increasing rates."

About Bass, Berry & Sims PLC

With more than 200 attorneys representing numerous publicly-traded companies
and Fortune 500 businesses, Bass, Berry & Sims PLC has been involved in some
of the largest and most significant business transactions and litigation
matters in the country. For more information, visit www.bassberry.com.

CONTACT: Edward Bowen
615-259-6447
ebowen@bassberry.com

SOURCE Bass, Berry & Sims PLC

Leslie Valenza, +1-202-258-3223, lvalenza@levick.com, for Bass, Berry & Sims
PLC