M. Scott Peeler and AFS Fellows Members Featured in Bloomberg Law on the Success of the AFS Fellows Program

Scott, who created and leads the program, described the AFS Fellows Program as “a resounding success” and noted that it has “paid for itself by a staggering multiple.” The article highlights that 100% of Fellows eligible for promotion to partnership have been elevated, including 60 income partners and 10 equity partners to date. Fellows generated more than $40 million in revenue last year, and the program has achieved an 80% retention rate over its 10-year history. 

Addressing the program’s impact on attorney engagement and retention, Scott said, “lawyers who have participated in the program feel seen, heard, and valued. Why does someone want to build their career somewhere? Yes, compensation matters, and yes, geography matters — but at the end of the day, it’s because that person feels valued.”

The article also spotlighted Scott’s philosophy on leadership development in law firms. “Leadership is about core fundamentals of human interaction. What makes me tick? What makes us tick as a group? How can we work together and lift each other up?” he said. Peeler added, “it’s such foundational stuff, so why don’t we focus on it more? Our clients in corporate America focus on leadership much more than law firms do — and we should learn from their example.”

The piece also features perspectives from several AFS Fellows alumni who discussed the program’s lasting influence on their careers and relationships across the firm. Reflecting on her experience, Annie Chang Lee, a member of the 2019 Fellows class, said, “every single person I know who has gone through the Fellows Program has found it so eye-opening. When you actually experience it, it’s unbelievable — and it has had such an impact on me, both professionally and personally.”

Brian Farkas, a litigation partner who joined the firm during the COVID-19 pandemic, described the program as “an incredible way to integrate into the firm.” He added, “what makes the Fellows Program so special is that it’s a small group of around 10 people. You’re bonding in this intimate way. It’s like being around a fire pit at summer camp, not a stuffy cocktail party dedicated to business development.”

Highlighting the relationships fostered through the program, Alex Spiegler said, “in a firm like ours, with 600 lawyers, we’re always looking for opportunities to recommend our partners to clients. Through the Fellows Program, I’ve become friends with a number of great colleagues in other practices. And it’s been wonderful to refer my clients to partners whom I know to be top-notch lawyers and people, who will treat my clients well.”

Discussing the program’s impact on firm culture, Annie added, “the Fellows Program creates a certain bond, almost like a fraternity or sorority within the firm. It gives people a more purposeful firm life. You’re not just doing work and caring for your clients, but you’re caring for each other and for the firm.” Alex echoed that sentiment, saying, “part of why you want to stay at a firm is the people around you. The Fellows Program has helped make me want to be here.”

The article captures how the AFS Fellows Program has become a distinguishing element of ArentFox Schiff’s professional development strategy, helping cultivate future leaders while strengthening collaboration, retention, and long-term firm success.

Read the full article here.

Learn more about the AFS Fellows Program here.