ArentFox Schiff Celebrates 10 Years of Renowned AFS Fellows Program

Created and led by Partner M. Scott Peeler, the AFS Fellows Program is an industry first, three-year leadership development program for mid and senior-level associates, counsel, and partners in the first two years following their elevation. 

Since its launch a decade ago, the AFS Fellows Program has provided more than one hundred attorneys a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, deepen their understanding of themselves and group dynamics, and contribute to initiatives that materially strengthen the firm. Built on the core principle of “leading from where you are,” the Program equips participants with the tools, perspectives, and experiences needed to lead with purpose throughout their careers. 

Today, 1 in 5 AFS attorneys are currently in or have graduated from the AFS Fellows Program. All Fellows eligible for promotion have been elevated, 70 to partner so far. AFS Fellows also produce substantial bottom-line results for the firm, collecting over $40 million in revenue last year. They currently lead more than half of the firm’s industry groups.

“A decade ago, this firm decided to do something bold by investing in our lawyers in a way no other firm has to this day,” said Scott. “And every year since, we’ve brought together 10 strangers from every corner of the firm and taught them greater self-awareness, how to work within and lead teams, and encouraged a lifelong passion for servant leadership. The impact of their three-year journey together has been transformational for them, their clients, and the firm.” 

The Fellows Program combines leadership assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Skillscope 360 Review, mentorship opportunities, direct engagement with firm leaders, and capstone projects that meaningfully improve the firm.

“The great strength of the Fellows community is that it is entirely unique within the firm and wouldn’t otherwise exist,” said Scott. “Every Fellows class is comprised of people with incredible life experiences that make the whole so much stronger than the sum of its parts. The resulting bonds, relationships, and community are deeply impactful.” 

Over the past decade, AFS Fellows have become influential contributors to the firm’s culture, client service, business development, and community engagement. Their collective impact reflects the program’s enduring mission to develop leaders prepared to make tomorrow better than today for everyone around them. 

Brian Farkas began the Program as an associate. Now a thriving partner who helps manage the Complex Litigation practice in New York, Brian said, “the Fellows Program truly integrated me into the firm. It wasn’t ‘networking’ in a sterile sense. It was bonding.” He continued, “the Program allowed me to make so many genuine friends beyond my practice group and office. Real human connections. Big Law often gets a bad rap as being cold and impersonal. Our firm really invests in us. Fellows was an early blessing in my career that continues to pay dividends.”

The anniversary celebration also sets the stage for an important milestone in the Program’s history. In September, ArentFox Schiff will announce its 2026 AFS Fellows class, marking the Fellows Program’s tenth cohort and the beginning of its next chapter.

“We’re just getting started,” said Scott. “Our next ten years will be even better than our first.”

Visit AFS Fellows Program for more information.