While mentorship for younger attorneys may be informal at many firms and can seem all but nonexistent at others, Washington, D.C.-based Steptoe & Johnson has created a concrete “talent sponsorship program” that pairs associates with partner mentors at the firm.

The program is voluntary—those who want to participate must apply each year—and is designed to enhance and expand professional development opportunities and offer guidance for midlevel and senior associates.

For now, the firm has paired an initial group of seven associates—Lauren Azebu, Kate Johnson, Meghan Newcomer, Josh Oppenheimer, Judy Wang, Tyechia White, and Yvonne Woldeab—with partner “sponsors” John Abramic, Eric Emerson, Steve Fennell, Micah Green, Toni Ianniello, Mike Miller and Bob Rizzi.