NATmatica® is practical legal training for new associates.
Real-world legal skills for recent law grads and first-year associate legal training.
NATmatica® bridges the gap between law school theory and the demands of legal practice.
Our video-based training series equips new civil litigation associates with the practical skills they need to work efficiently, capture more billable hours, and confidently navigate their cases.
Unlike traditional CLEs or law school courses, NATmatica® focuses on the "how" behind your day-to-day tasks, helping you go from overwhelmed to outstanding.
What is NATmatica®?
Practical Training for New Associates, Designed for Real-World Success
NATmatica® bridges the gap between law school theory and the demands of legal practice.
Our video-based training series equips new civil litigation associates with the practical skills they need to work efficiently, capture more billable hours, and confidently navigate their cases.
Unlike traditional CLEs or law school courses, NATmatica® focuses on the "how" behind your day-to-day tasks, helping you go from overwhelmed to outstanding.
Why NATmatica® Exists
Solving the Training Gap Law School Leaves Behind
Law school teaches you the law, but it doesn’t teach you how to practice it. New associates often feel lost, spending countless hours figuring out where to start and how to manage their workload. This inefficiency not only slows their progress but also impacts their confidence and career trajectory.
NATmatica® was created to solve this problem.
Our mission is simple: To transform new associates into proactive, efficient lawyers who add immediate value to their firms. By eliminating the guesswork and providing a clear roadmap, NATmatica® helps you thrive in the profession while reclaiming valuable personal time. This real-world attorney training is the perfect associate onboarding to complement any law firm training program.
Meet Debora Verdier:
Your mentor for success as a new associate
Debora Verdier is more than a senior partner and accomplished attorney. She’s a passionate mentor focused on helping new lawyers succeed.
With decades of experience in labor and employment law, she has represented clients in state and federal courts, served as a judge pro tem, and teaches practical skills as an adjunct professor at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.
Debora’s impressive credentials include:
Honors: Included in the list of Southwest Super Lawyers Top 25 Arizona Women from 2015 – 2024 and Top 50 Arizona Lawyers in 2016-2019, 2023-2024.
Experience: Managing Shareholder, Senior Partner, equity board member, and invited member of the International Association of Defense Counsel.
Expertise: Decades of hands-on experience training and mentoring new associates to become confident, efficient, and invaluable team members.
Her deep understanding of the challenges new associates face, and how to overcome them, makes her the ideal guide to help you excel in your career.
Where does the name NATmatica® come from?
NATmatica was born from a vision: to empower new lawyers navigating the complex world of civil litigation.
The "NAT" represents "New Associate Training," our dedication to providing comprehensive, tailored solutions for emerging legal professionals.
"Matica," derived from Latin for "source," symbolizes the foundational knowledge and support we provide, echoing the nurturing leadership of a bee colony.
Inspired by the meaning of my name, Debora—"bee"—NATmatica embodies guidance, resilience, and community. Like a queen bee leading her hive, our mission is to cultivate confident leaders in law, equipping associates to thrive and build legacies of excellence in their careers.
NATmatica was born from a vision: to empower new lawyers navigating the complex world of civil litigation.
The "NAT" represents "New Associate Training," our dedication to providing comprehensive, tailored solutions for emerging legal professionals.
"Matica," derived from Latin for "source," symbolizes the foundational knowledge and support we provide, echoing the nurturing leadership of a bee colony.
Inspired by the meaning of my name, Debora—"bee"—NATmatica embodies guidance, resilience, and community. Like a queen bee leading her hive, our mission is to cultivate confident leaders in law, equipping associates to thrive and build legacies of excellence in their careers.
What makes our legal training unique
NATmatica® isn’t just another legal education program; it’s a practical roadmap designed to accelerate your professional growth.
Here’s how we’re different:
Real-World Focus: We don’t teach you theory; we teach you how to handle cases and work efficiently.
Mentorship-Like Support: It’s like having an experienced senior partner walk you through every step of your work.
Immediate Impact: Save hours of time, increase your billable hours, and build confidence from day one.
Proven Results: Our popular Time Sheet Master course has already transformed how firms approach efficiency, earning rave reviews from both partners and associates.
By choosing NATmatica®, you’re investing in more than just training. You’re investing in your future as a successful, efficient, and confident lawyer.
What our students and partners are saying about NATmatica®
As a young associate, the training on billing practices was invaluable in developing my practice. The course provided clear guidance on time management, accurate record-keeping, and ethical billing strategies, all of which helped me become a more efficient and effective biller. Learning best practices early on not only improved my ability to capture billable time but also instilled habits that have contributed to my long-term professional growth.
I highly recommend this training to any young attorney looking to build a strong foundation for their practice.
- Bree G. Nevarez, Associate
As a first-generation attorney, I had to navigate a learning curve at every stage of my journey. In school, I was fortunate to have access to a wealth of mentors who were eager to guide me. But when I entered law practice, the demands of the profession often left little time for structured guidance. That’s where Debora made all the difference. Her mentorship equipped me with the skills, habits, and independence to tackle significant responsibilities as a junior associate.
Debora’s training fills a critical gap for new attorneys stepping into this challenging profession.
- Chrisanne Gultz, Attorney
As a second-year law student, I truly did not understand the importance of accurate, detailed time entries. Debora's Time Sheet Master presentation not only clarified the why, but also demonstrated the how by providing ample examples to
model. Law students and young associates should really take advantage of this resource.
Skills like these will set them apart from their peers.
- Alyannah Buhman, Law Clerk
Ready to Accelerate Your Career?
Whether you’re looking to become a more efficient associate, capture more
billable hours, or accelerate your path to partnership, NATmatica® has the
practical legal skills you need to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best legal training for first-year associates?
The best legal training for first-year associates is one that goes beyond case law and teaches real-world legal skills. NATmatica® is designed specifically for new associates to bridge the gap between law school and actual law firm practice. Our video-based modules teach practical skills—like how to draft time entries, manage caseloads, and work effectively with partners—so new associates can hit the ground running.
How is NATmatica® different from CLEs?
Unlike traditional CLEs that focus on legal theory, NATmatica® offers hands-on, practical legal training tailored to junior associates. Instead of passive lectures, our associate training program walks you through the actual tasks you’ll perform at a law firm—timekeeping, litigation prep, file management, client communication, and more. This is real-world legal training for law school graduates and early-career attorneys who want to contribute right away.
Can law firms enroll multiple associates?
NATmatica® was created for new law firm associates, first-year attorneys, and recent law school graduates entering civil litigation. If you're a junior associate looking to improve your efficiency, confidence, and billable hours—or a law firm looking to streamline associate onboarding—this legal training program is built for you.
Can law firms enroll multiple associates?
Absolutely. NATmatica® is ideal for firms looking to implement a consistent, scalable training solution for first-year associates. Check out the NATmatica for firms page to learn more. Our on-demand legal training modules reduce the burden on senior attorneys by teaching foundational skills every new associate needs to be productive, profitable, and client-ready. It's the perfect law firm onboarding program.
Is NATmatica® self-paced or scheduled?
All NATmatica® courses are fully self-paced and available on demand. Associates can complete each training module on their own schedule, making it ideal for busy new lawyers balancing multiple deadlines. Whether you're a recent graduate or managing a full caseload at a firm, our flexible format fits seamlessly into your routine.
What topics are covered in the NATmatica® legal training series?
The NATmatica® series covers a wide range of practical skills for associate attorneys, including:
Writing billable time entries (Time Sheet Master)
Becoming a valuable member of the litigation team
Caseload management and organization
Written discovery and deposition prep
Trial preparation and strategic planning
Each course is packed with actionable training to help new associates succeed faster.
How does NATmatica® help me become a more successful legal associate?
NATmatica® teaches systems, structure, and practical strategies that new lawyers can apply immediately. From time management and document review to litigation planning and communication with partners, this legal training program is built to help you save time, avoid costly mistakes, and increase billable hours—without burning out.
Can I include NATmatica® certification on my resume or LinkedIn?
Yes! Completing the NATmatica® training series demonstrates your commitment to developing practical legal skills early in your career. Law firms appreciate associates who take initiative, and being NATmatica®-certified can set you apart from your peers as someone who’s client-ready and serious about professional growth.
