pɹˈaɪɚ tə ðə fɔːɹmˈeɪʃən ʌvðə fˈɜːm, fjˈuːtʃɚ mˈɛmbɚz ænd ɐfˈɪlɪˌeɪts ʌvðə ɡɹˈuːp wɜːɹ æt tɹænsˈɪʃənəl stˈeɪdʒᵻz ʌv ðɛɹ kɚɹˈɪɹz.
Prior to the formation of The Firm, future members and affiliates of the group were at transitional stages of their careers.