Associates

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Nov 14, 2018 7:30 AM CST

As some employers offer ‘pawternity leave,’ Susman Godfrey joins the pack

Susman Godfrey sees no reason to keep its lawyers on a short leash. The law firm offers unlimited paid parental leave and unlimited vacation to associates. And the vacation time can be used for “pawternity leave,” managing partner Neal Manne told the Texas Lawyer. Manne contacted the Texas Lawyer after…

Oct 18, 2018 7:00 AM CDT

Susman Godfrey offers associates unlimited gender-neutral paid parental leave

Susman Godfrey’s parental leave for associates—regardless of gender—is now limitless. The policy allows for some time to be applied towards year-end bonuses, including “up to 12 weeks for any associate and up to 18 weeks for delivering mothers.” “The firm’s expanded and gender-neutral parental leave policy is part of our…

Oct 4, 2018 8:00 AM CDT

BigLaw associate sues ex-fiancée for return of pricey engagement ring

A Troutman Sanders associate has sued his former fiancée for return of a 4-carat engagement ring that cost about $100,000. Ryan Strasser filed the suit Monday in Washington, D.C., federal court, report Law.com and Marketwatch. He contends the ring was a conditional gift to Sarah Jones Dickens that should be…

Sep 26, 2018 11:17 AM CDT

Remainder of product liability group from Quinn Emanuel follows Sheila Birnbaum to Dechert

Dechert has added the remainder of the products liability group from Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan after acquiring its two co-chairs and another partner in May. The entire group consists of 29 people. The move is one of Dechert’s largest lateral acquisitions to date, according to a press release from…

Jul 20, 2018 10:29 AM CDT

It’s not the associate salaries, it’s the human skills that challenge law firms

Earlier this month, New York-based Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy announced it will increase its associate salaries across the board by $10,000 to $15,000—a starting salary of $190,000 for those fresh out of law school. What followed was an outcry in the legal media and reports that unhappy clients are…

Jun 19, 2018 7:00 AM CDT

Several firms follow Cravath after it beats Milbank on associate pay raises and adds bonuses

Cravath set a new standard for associate pay on Monday when it announced it was paying salaries ranging from $190,000 to $340,000. Now several other law firms have announced they are matching Cravath’s salaries.

Jun 14, 2018 2:43 PM CDT

Some law firms match Milbank’s $190K starting pay for associates

A few major law firms are jumping on the bandwagon and raising starting pay for new associates to $190,000.

Jun 7, 2018 7:05 AM CDT

Some BigLaw firms abstain from alcohol-centered events for summer associates

Some major law firms are opting for healthier and cultural-based events for their summer associates.

Two law firms making the switch are Goodwin Procter and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, the American Lawyer reports.

Jun 6, 2018 7:00 AM CDT

Milbank boosts associates’ starting pay to $190K

New associates at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy will be paid $190,000, the law firm announced on Monday.

Jun 4, 2018 3:11 PM CDT

Wait for partnership at Weil is reduced by 2 years in bid to retain more associates

Weil, Gotshal & Manges hopes to improve associate retention by cutting the wait for partnership by two years.

Jun 1, 2018 1:27 PM CDT

Federal judge finds King & Spalding’s reasons for firing associate ‘incredibly hard’ to believe

A federal judge told King & Spalding on Tuesday that she finds its stated reasons for firing an associate “incredibly hard” to believe and she was planning to deny its motion for summary judgment. U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni said she planned to hold off on ruling to allow the…

May 23, 2018 3:37 PM CDT

In an era of the vanishing trial, would-be litigators aren’t getting valuable experience, op-ed says

Edward McCarthy handled his first jury trial 55 years ago, just a few months after passing the bar. McCarthy was representing a taxi owner sued for property damage in a collision case. The judge and opposing counsel were patient and kind, and McCarthy won.

May 9, 2018 12:45 PM CDT

What do associates want from their firms? You may be surprised

The associates you hire want to do a good job. They strive to become good lawyers. They recognize the demands that are placed on them for their time, attention and skills. And they are up for the challenge. But they need some help along the way. There are things firms…

May 2, 2018 7:00 AM CDT

‘Mommy track is a dead end’ at Morrison & Foerster, associates allege in $100M suit

Three associates at Morrison & Foerster have filed a would-be $100 million class-action suit that claims the firm maintains a “family-friendly façade” even as it discriminates against lawyer moms.

Apr 30, 2018 12:59 PM CDT