Associates
Downey Brand associates enjoy access to a number of career possibilities
as well as competitive pay and benefits, some of which are contained
in this section. It's not exhaustive, but should give you a basis for
comparison with other firms you may be considering. We know the most
qualified applicants have a number of options available to them; let
us give you an idea of what we have to offer:
- Over 20 areas of practice
- Specialized practice groups
- Formal training & mentoring
- Pro bono opportunities (eligible for billable hour credit)
- Support for participation in professional associations
- A billable hours requirement that lets you have a life
- Firm-hosted social events
Our attorneys enjoy a unique professional and personal camaraderie.
We treasure the diversity of outlooks and approaches to personal and
legal matters. It is these diverse perspectives that facilitate the
creative and practical solutions we are known for providing to our clients.
What We Do
New associates are assigned to one of our practice groups
based on their preferences and our needs. Attorneys are not confined
to work only within their assigned practice groups; many attorneys work
in more than one area and work closely with attorneys in other practice
groups. Though specialization is encouraged, our attorneys are free
to develop areas of concentration. The purpose of the practice groups
is to provide new attorneys, and attorneys new to the firm, support
from other attorneys who work on similar matters.
Downey Brand's areas of practice include:
| Banking/Financial Institutions |
Land Use |
| Bankruptcy and Commercial |
Litigation |
| Construction |
Mergers and Acquisitions |
| Corporate |
Minerals |
| Employment |
Nonprofit Organizations |
| Energy |
Real Estate |
| Environmental |
Securities |
| ERISA and Employee Benefits |
Tax |
| Family Law |
Trusts and Estates |
| Intellectual Property |
Water |
The firm also welcomes the development of new areas of practice outside
those presently offered. Transfers between practice groups are available
subject to reasonable notice and the needs of the firm.
Pro
Bono
Consistent with our tradition
of community service, we encourage attorneys and staff in all departments
to participate in pro bono work, which several dozen attorneys provide
each year. A partner or senior associate serves as the firm's pro bono
coordinator.
Associates may receive up to
50 hours of billable credit for work on pro bono matters which is credited
toward their annual billable hour requirements. Participation in the
pro bono program is voluntary. Attorneys are free to develop projects
that fit their interests or join in existing projects offered by the
firm. Examples of pro bono work by the firm's attorneys include the
Simple Wills Clinic, a project of the Voluntary Legal Services Program,
and incorporation of various non-profits.
Training
At Downey Brand, our practice constantly evolves to meet the changing
needs of our clients, business trends and the economy. One way that
we have maintained a solid reputation for excellence in the practice
of law and client service has been the ongoing training and development
of our attorneys.
The firm has a formal training program in place to make sure our attorneys
are proficient in all aspects of practicing law—from written discovery,
to mediation and alternative dispute resolution, to negotiating and
drafting agreements. We hold on-site seminars throughout the year that
qualify for Continuing Legal Education credits. We also bring in outside
presenters from accounting firms and the courts, for example, to expose
our attorneys to a broader range of experience. In addition, we pay
the cost for attorneys to pursue additional training outside the firm
that is offered through bar associations and professional trade groups.
Mentoring
The first year at any new law firm is full of new experiences, new colleagues
and daily challenges. To make the first year more enjoyable and provide
support from someone who was once in the same position, Downey Brand
assigns new attorneys an associate who serves as a mentor for a one-year
period. During that first year, the mentor assumes a "buddy"
role and helps the new attorney to adjust to the firm and its culture.
After that year, a partner mentor is assigned for a year. A partner
mentor works with attorneys to promote professional skills and encourage
career development. They also help to form professional relationships
within the firm and within the business community.
Whether in the first year of practice or first year at Downey Brand,
mentors give new attorneys opportunities for confidential discussions
and honest advice. In addition to assigned mentors, the culture at Downey
Brand is one where unofficial mentors quickly emerge and social bonds
are easily formed on their own, making for a smooth adjustment to the
firm.
Evaluations
Associate performance evaluations are conducted annually each fall.
First year associates and lateral hires in their first year with Downey
Brand receive a mid-year evaluation in April and then again in the fall.
All partners in the associate's work group have an opportunity to fill
out an evaluation, and assocaites may request that others outside of
their immediate group provide feedback through an evaluation.
Compensation
Associates are paid based on their class year. Downey Brand uses an
automatic lockstep increase; raises are effective October 1 of each
year. Starting compensation for first-year associates (upon successfully
passing the bar) is $100,000. We have a bonus system for which all associates
who have been with the firm at least six months are eligible.
Benefits
Downey Brand provides, at the firm's expense, the following benefits
to all attorneys who are employed a minimum of 30 hours a week:
- Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- Employer contribution plan
- Paid and unpaid parental leave
- Employee parking
- Vacation (three weeks per year)
- Relocation expense reimbursement
- Pre-tax flexible spending account
- Short and long term disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- On-site fitness center
- Bar expenses
- Firm retreat and other social events
Bar-Related Expenses for New Associates
If you accept the firm's offer of employment prior to taking the bar
exam, we will reimburse you for documented expenses related to taking
the exam. The firm also provides a $3,500 bar study stipend to all incoming
fall associates. We encourage new associates to take time off after
taking the bar, allowing them to select a start date between September
1 and 30.
More Information
Additional information about Downey Brand and our lawyers may be found
by navigating the links on our home page: http://www.downeybrand.com/.
To see and apply for current career opportunities, click on the "Available
Positions" link below.
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