Law Students & New Associates

• What is the firm's billable hour requirement?
  We do not have a billable hour requirement. The quality of our work product takes precedence over the quantity of work. We want our attorneys to focus on meeting our clients' needs substantively and efficiently.
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• Does the firm allow part-time or flexible work schedules?
  Yes. We have partners and associates on part-time and flexible work schedules. These arrangements are determined on a case-by-case basis.
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• What is the partnership track for a new associate?
  Typically, the partnership track for a new associate is six years.
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• What are your plans for future growth?
  One of our firm's core principles is our solid belief in controlled, steady growth. Our hiring decisions are made on an individual basis, and not based on meeting certain numbers or quotas.
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• What is the firm's pro bono policy?
  As one of the largest North Carolina law firms, we play an active role in the community. While we do not require our attorneys to participate in pro bono programs, we do encourage attorney involvement. The specific area(s) of community service, and the depth of involvement, is decided by each individual attorney. Our pro bono coordinator helps attorneys find ways to become active. Click here to review our firm's pro bono policy in its entirety.
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• What is your hiring process?
  When making decisions for permanent hire, our Recruiting Committee will review a candidate's application. If the Recruiting Committee agrees to make an offer of employment, their recommendation will be passed on to the Management Committee. The Management Committee will then discuss the candidate and take the Recruiting Committee's recommendation under advisement. If the Management Committee agrees with the Recruiting Committee's decision for hire, they will then make a recommendation to the full partnership for a vote.
  
  When making decisions for summer employment, the Recruiting Committee reviews a candidate's application and determines whether or not to extend an offer for summer employment.
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• How many summer associates do you usually hire?
  We are always looking for bright, talented students. We do not limit ourselves to an arbitrary number. Summer positions are offered on an individual basis.
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• Are summer associates allowed to split their summers? When does the summer program begin and end?
  We recognize the importance of clerking with several firms before committing to one firm after graduation. Summer associates are allowed to split their summers. We do not have specific start and end dates for our program; therefore, the start and end of their tenure is left up to the summer associates.
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• Do you offer a summer housing program?
  Yes. If a summer associate needs to relocate in order to take part in our summer program, we offer subsidized housing. We will provide corporate apartments to summer associates who need them. Summer associates typically pay a small expense for housing and utilities combined, and we will cover the remainder of this expense.
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• What class levels do you hire for your summer program?
  Usually we hire first- and second-year law students for our summer program. However, from time to time, we have invited third-year law students to spend the summer with us prior to the commencement a judicial clerkship.
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• How is a summer associate evaluated?
  Summer associates receive feedback through several different methods. We encourage our attorneys to provide feedback to summer associates while they are working on a project together.
  
  If a summer associate doesn't receive feedback on a particular project, they can ask their mentor or our Recruiting Coordinator to solicit an assessment of their work. Along these same lines, summer associates are also encouraged to seek feedback directly from the assigning attorney.
  
  At the end of a clerk's tenure, our Recruiting Committee will solicit more formal assessments. Attorneys are asked to judge a summer associate based on, among other aspects, the quality of their work product, leadership capabilities, maturity, decision-making skills, and overall fit with the firm. A member of the Recruiting Committee will relay this information to a summer associate during the exit interview. Future hiring decisions regarding summer associates are made shortly after the conclusion of the summer program.
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• How do I submit my resume?
  You may submit your cover letter, transcript and resume to Ms. Elizabeth Bilcheck, Recruiting Coordinator, via e-mail or by mailing it to P.O. Box 26000, Greensboro, NC 27420.