In a remarkable deviation from the norm in the competitive world of Biglaw, Susman Godfrey, known for its unconventional approach, has once again distinguished itself by allowing a first-year associate to lead a major legal argument in federal court. This bold move earned them public accolades from Judge Jon Tigar of the Northern District of California during a recent courtroom session.

Dylan Salzman, barely a year out of the University of Chicago Law School and with two prestigious clerkships under his belt, was the young lawyer at the center of this unusual decision. Despite his relatively short tenure at Susman Godfrey, the firm entrusted him with a significant role in a high-profile AI copyright case. Judge Tigar, acknowledging Salzman's performance, paused the proceedings to praise the firm, exclaiming, "Good for you, really," commending their confidence in young talent.

Partner Rohit Nath, who argued alongside Salzman, explained that such opportunities for younger associates are standard practice at Susman Godfrey. Unlike many large firms where young lawyers spend years behind the scenes, Susman Godfrey pushes them to the forefront, giving them substantial courtroom exposure early in their careers.

This philosophy traces back to the firm’s founder, Steve Susman, who championed the idea of nurturing young attorneys, not just to grow within the firm but to excel in the courtroom. Justin Nelson, another partner at the firm, reiterated this ethos, emphasizing the importance of real trial experience over the traditional model of prolonged behind-the-scenes preparation that typifies most of Biglaw.

Susman Godfrey’s approach contrasts sharply with the broader industry standards, where the path to meaningful courtroom experience can be both indirect and elusive. Most large firms operate on a model that prioritizes hiring vast numbers of talented associates, primarily to handle document review and brief writing, with only a select few advancing through the ranks to eventually take on significant courtroom roles.

At Susman Godfrey, the focus is on quality and development rather than quantity. With around 200 attorneys, it is the smallest firm by headcount in the Am Law 100 but stands out for its commitment to developing courtroom-ready lawyers from the onset of their careers. This is facilitated by a rigorous hiring process that selects individuals who are not only academically accomplished but also genuinely interested in litigation.

The firm's strategy includes a robust clerkship pipeline to ensure new lawyers are well-versed in federal court operations and a reformed recruiting model that aims to attract candidates passionate about trial law. By providing young lawyers like Salzman with the platform to handle substantial arguments, Susman Godfrey continues to cultivate a new generation of litigators equipped with early and impactful trial experience.