article | firm news
Jennifer Lucas-Ross, Director of Attorney Recruiting and Professional Development at Morris James, authored an article in the February 2026 issue of the NALP Bulletin+, the monthly publication of the National Association for Law Placement (NALP).
Her article, “DIY PD (Do-It-Yourself Professional Development): How to Build Lawyer PD Programs on a Budget,” explores practical strategies for developing meaningful, customized professional development programming within law firms — even when resources are limited.
In the article, Jennifer outlines a structured approach to in-house program design, emphasizing:
Defining clear objectives aligned with firm strategy
Leveraging existing internal talent and resources
Collaborating across departments to break down silos
Creating scalable, adaptable programming
Continual evaluation and refinement
Drawing from her experience leading attorney recruiting and professional development initiatives at Morris James, Jennifer highlights how firms can thoughtfully design training programs that reflect their values, support lawyer growth, and advance strategic priorities, without relying solely on external vendors or large budgets.
NALP is the leading professional association for legal career professionals, serving more than 3,000 members across law firms, law schools, and government organizations. Publication in the NALP Bulletin+ reflects national engagement with issues shaping attorney development and the future of legal talent.
Jennifer currently serves as Co-Chair of NALP’s Small & Mid-Sized Law Firm Interest Group.
At Morris James, professional development is not treated as a standalone function, but is integrated into the firm's approach to building talent, strengthening client service, and sustaining its culture. Strategic PD initiatives are designed to align with practice group goals, reinforce collaboration, and support lawyers at every stage of their careers. By intentionally connecting training, recruiting, and long-term growth planning, the firm continues to invest in a culture that values preparation, accountability, and shared success.
Start small and build out. Programs can, and should, evolve as the needs of the firm’s lawyers shift and grow. Excellent in-house programs are those that continually align with a firm’s strategic initiatives.
