We have always maintained a low ratio of associates to partners.  This unique structure has allowed our associates to take on substantial responsibility almost immediately and has avoided the kind of hierarchical assignment structure that often prevails at more “leveraged” firms. 

Given the nature of our practice and, in particular, the absence of repetitive, standardized transactions and matters, we train associates to be complete, well-rounded lawyers as opposed to specialists in subparts of particular transactions or matters; in short, we try to develop in each of our associates the skills necessary to become a partner in our firm.

Our relatively small size and unusual partner-to-associate ratio allows each associate the opportunity to work directly with partners in an informal and non-structured atmosphere that encourages hands-on training and the development of close working relationships among lawyers of the firm and our clients.

Because of the firm’s size and structure, our associates are all offered the opportunity to quickly take on meaningful responsibilities which allows them to become highly valued members of small teams working directly with clients; as a result, competition or “one-upmanship” among associates has never been a problem — a true team spirit prevails.
 
We prize independent thinking and creativity in our associates; our relatively small size and unusual structure are designed to create an engaging, high-energy atmosphere in which these traits will develop and flourish.

We are committed to providing our attorneys with the necessary support and technology to allow for the practice of law at the highest and most responsive level.  In addition to the systems infrastructure in place in the office, we provide each attorney with a laptop and a smartphone.  We also support remote access - in each attorney’s home and on a worldwide basis - to allow connection to the office and all of the information resources of the firm.

Our Associate Development Committee (ADC) is dedicated to keeping the firm an exceptional workplace that fosters associates’ professional development in a collegial and supportive environment.  One key initiative of the ADC is the mentoring program, which supports the training of new associates and their acculturation into the firm.  New associates are assigned an associate mentor upon joining the firm and a partner mentor after their first year with the firm.  Additionally, all associates are assigned a Class Dean, who insures that associates receive work experience of appropriate breadth and intensity, as well as sufficiently detailed feedback about their progress in acquiring the skills necessary to succeed at the firm.

All new associates starting in the fall participate in a week-long orientation and training program designed to introduce them to firm practices and procedures and bridge the gap between law school and the practice of law.  Individual departments offer specialized training as it relates to their practices.  In addition, a variety of Continuing Legal Education programs are offered in-house throughout the year to help keep attorneys abreast of the latest developments and legal issues.

Notwithstanding the fact that the majority of our current associates were former summer associates, we also consider and welcome applications from attorneys, including judicial law clerks.