FAQ

What type of training will I receive as a junior associate?
We host an orientation program for our first year associates, which is intended to give associates the information they need to begin work at the firm. Shortly after their arrival, we plan a series of training programs, including a day-long legal writing program, a legal research program and substantive seminars from our different practice areas. Thereafter, each department has its own internal continuing education program, and because the firm is an accredited provider of continuing legal education in New York, many of these in-house programs will qualify for CLE credit. In addition, we have allotted money for each associate to take outside courses offered by CLE providers and bar associations. We inform our associates of the availability of these programs and arrange for their registration and attendance where interested.

What type of formal evaluations are junior associates given?
Associates are reviewed on a calendar year basis. All associates have the option of completing self-evaluation forms.

Will I receive feedback as a junior associate?
We make every effort to have all of our attorneys give project-by-project feedback to the junior associates with whom they work. In addition, for at least the first six months of a junior associate's tenure, his or her work is monitored by the Professional Development Department to ensure there are no problems or issues that should be addressed prior to the time they will receive their first formal evaluation.

Will I have a mentor when I am an associate?
Every first year associate is assigned an associate mentor who can assist them in becoming acclimated to the firm. The firm encourages associates to have lunch or coffee with their mentors on a monthly basis at the firm's expense.

What type of responsibility will I be given early in my career?
As much as you can handle. We do not limit the types of tasks associates can do based on their class year. Rather, our associates progress at their own pace. If an associate demonstrates the ability to do work beyond his or her class year, that associate will be given greater and greater responsibility. You progress as fast as you are able, without limitations on the types of tasks you can do. For example, second year litigation associates have examined witnesses at trial and taken depositions. Second year corporate associates have been the only associates assigned to deals and have been given the opportunity to run them.

How are your matters and cases staffed?
We tend to staff cases and deals with fewer attorneys than most large firms. This is one reason why our junior associates get responsibility and broad experience early.  

As a junior associate, will I have client contact?
Because our matters are staffed leanly, our junior associates have the opportunity to meet and work with clients at an earlier stage than at most large firms.

Will I have an opportunity as a junior associate to meet/socialize with attorneys from other departments?
We understand that it is important to feel comfortable among your colleagues and that opportunities to socialize are a valuable way of achieving this goal. We have many different types of informal functions that enable people to become acquainted. For example, we have periodic attorney cocktail parties, individual departmental events and our cafeteria serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Monday through Thursday evenings. We have firm basketball and tennis teams, a running group, an ardent group of soccer players, and two firm-wide parties each year. In addition, attorneys from all practice groups are invited to attend all of our summer program events. Many partners also host dinner parties for attorneys in their departments.

Does the firm allow associates to work part-time? Can entry level associates work part-time?
We have a program under which associates can apply to work on a reduced schedule after they have been employed by the firm for two years.

Are incoming associates given credit for judicial clerkships?
Attorneys hired immediately after completion of a clerkship at a United States Federal or State Court typically receive class credit and a clerkship bonus.