Entry Level/Lateral Attorneys: FAQs

What is the starting salary for an Entry Level Associate?

$72,000 annually

Are there any opportunities for an Associate to earn a bonus?

Yes. The Firm has an associate bonus program. The bonus program gives the Firm discretion to pay bonuses to those associates that the Firm believes are excelling in their individual practices. The Firm's associate bonus program is subject to annual review by the Firm's shareholders.

What benefits are offered by the Firm?

Medical and Vision Insurance
Life Insurance ($50,000)
Long Term Disability Insurance
Cafeteria Plan/Flex Spending Account (1-year waiting period)
Profit Sharing (2-year waiting period)
ABA, State and County Bar Dues
Allowance for continuing legal education

The Firm's benefits are subject to annual review by the Firm's shareholders.

Does the Firm reimburse for relocation?

Yes. The Firm reimburses for the cost of reasonable relocation expenses actually incurred by a new associate. All expenses must be approved in advance by the Firm's Human Resources Director.

Does the Firm reimburse for bar expenses?

Yes. The Firm will reimburse up to $3,000 for Bar expenses -- $2,000 upon acceptance of offer and $1,000 upon receipt of first paycheck.

What is the billable hours requirement?

1,800 hours per year. Hours-based bonuses are paid for exceeding 1,950 hours and each 50 hour benchmark thereafter.

Is there any credit for pro bono work or community involvement?

Yes. The Firm will count up to 50 hours per year of pro bono work toward an associate's 1,800 hour billable requirement. Pro bono work and community development activities are also considered in determining bonuses, advancement and partnership offers.

What types of activities (community, bar-related) are the attorneys at the Firm involved with?

The Firm's attorneys are involved in numerous political, civic and charitable activities outside the office. In addition to holding prominent positions on numerous local boards, the Firm's attorneys participate in various local, state and national bar committees.

Will I have a secretary?

Yes. Secretaries typically support 2 to 3 attorneys and/or paralegals. A secretary will be assigned to you upon arrival.

How would you describe the Firm's culture?

The Firm prides itself on offering a pleasant and professional work environment. The Firm affords all of its attorneys the opportunity to have a challenging legal career while maintaining a healthy balance between professional life and family life. In addition, the Firm is very supportive of its attorneys' efforts to develop their practices and become involved in the community and bar associations.

Does the Firm have a mentorship program? What does it entail?

The Firm has a formal mentoring program for associates that fosters continuous monitoring of the Firm�s mentoring efforts for associates. Each associate is assigned a partner mentor. The mentoring program includes specific expectations in terms of time commitments for each mentor.

What can I expect during my first year? Can I "try out" different practice areas?

Yes. New associates are not limited to working in one area of the law. The Firm does its best to accommodate any associate's desire to be exposed to different areas of the law.

How will I know how I'm doing? What is the evaluation process?

Associates are evaluated twice annually and are asked to participate in a self-assessment process prior to being evaluated by the shareholders with whom he/she works. Salaries are also reviewed and adjusted (when appropriate) twice annually.

What is the shareholder track?

Attorneys who have been with the Firm a total of 5-1/4 years or more may be considered for shareholder status. The Firm has two levels of shareholder status: non-equity and equity. The Firm's shareholder track and structure are both subject to the annual review of the Firm's shareholders.