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Frequently Asked Questions
How many associates (clerks) does the firm expect to hire for the coming year?
This year we have 12 new first years and we have 9 summer associates. We are considering 1L summer associate applicants.
What is the present starting salary for a new associate?
$160,000
What would the starting salary be next fall for a starting associate?
At least $160,000
What is the average length of time it takes for an associate to be offered partnership?
8 years
How soon will your firm be able to get back to me with the results of this interview?
2-3 weeks
How many hours a week does an associate normally work at your firm?
About 40 billable
How many billable hours a year do you normally expect an associate to work
at your firm?
1950 2075-average
What types of clients do you have?
All technical areas; Fortune 500 companies to individuals
What type of timekeeping system do you utilize?
Record your own time
What is the ratio of partners to associates?
Varies; approximately 1:1
What sort of work will I be doing as an associate?
Litigation/prosecution mix
Do you allow new associates to have client contact?
Yes
What types of in-house training programs do you have for your associates?
Litigation Boot Camp Seminar, Patent Prosecution Boot Camp Seminar and Trademark Boot Camp Seminar, Intensive Legal Writing Seminar and various CLE seminars
Do you require associates to attend continuing legal education programs?
Yes
Does the firm pay for any bar association memberships?
334 expense account after first year
What are an associate's fringe benefits?
See NALP form
How often are associates paid?
Twice a month (15th and 30th)
Is it anticipated that I will work for one partner or a group of partners?
Both
Is it a requirement for partnership that I develop my own client base?
Desirable but not required
What would my hourly billing rate be if I am a first-year associate at your firm?
TBD
Are associates allowed to do any pro bono work?
Yes
Will I have my own secretary or will I be sharing a secretary?
Sharing
What type of word processing system does your firm use?
Microsoft Word
How many female lawyers do you have in your office?
21(Chicago) 6 (Ann Arbor) = 27
How many minority lawyers to you have in your office?
22 (Firm wide)
Do associates share in the revenue earned from business developed by the associate?
A factor for bonus
Is business development the most important factor for attaining partnership?
One factor of many
Do you provide back-up childcare?
Yes
Does the firm provide domestic partner benefits?
Yes
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Firm History
