Compensation & Benefits
What is the firm's starting salary for a first year associate?
The starting salary is $150,000 with a $7,500 target bonus if target hours are met.
Does the firm pay a bonus? If so, how is the amount of that bonus determined?
Goldberg Kohn offers two types of bonuses. The target bonus may be awarded if an associate bills 2,000 hours. The amount of the bonus is dependent upon the associate's class year in a given calendar year. Approved pro bono hours count toward the 2,000 hours consistent with the firm's pro bono policy.
Goldberg Kohn also has a merit-based bonus program. Bonuses, which are awarded the first quarter of each calendar year, are guided by the following general principles:
- Discretionary bonuses are merit-based and require recipients to have done high-quality work over the last year.
- In order to be eligible to receive a merit bonus, a full-time, full-year associate must have a minimum of 2,100 billable and qualified pro bono hours. The firm allows associates who bill over 2,000 hours but less than 2,100 hours to "bank" the hours over 2,000 to be counted the following year for bonus purposes.
These general principles are adjusted to accommodate part-time and partial-year associates. The goal of the program is to reward outstanding performances by associates over an extended period of time.
Would I get credit for a clerkship? Would I get a clerkship bonus, and if so, how much would it be?
Goldberg Kohn generally gives associates credit for judicial clerkships, whether state or federal. In addition, clerks are typically paid a $10,000 bonus upon joining the firm.
What is the firm's part-time policy?
Goldberg Kohn considers associate requests to work part-time and is willing to make, and has made, part-time associates principals. The details of such arrangements are worked out on a case-by-case basis. We have a Part-Time Policy that can be provided to candidates upon request.
What other benefits does the firm offer?
Goldberg Kohn is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits program to attorneys. The benefits program contains a variety of plans intended to enhance employees' lives and the lives of their family members now and in the future. Some of the benefits for attorneys include:
- Medical insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield. We offer three plans-PPO, high deductible PPO and HMO. The firm subsidizes a portion of the premium and the employee's portion can be deducted on a pre-tax basis under the Cafeteria Plan.
- Dental insurance through Delta Dental. The firm offers a rich plan with a maximum annual benefit of $2500 and any remaining amount can be carried over into the next benefit year.
- Vision insurance through EyeMed. The plan offers coverage for both doctors and retail outlets.
- We provide Life, Short-term and Long-term disability insurance. Once eligible, these plans offer financial assistance in the unfortunate event of loss of life or a non-work related illness or injury.
- Wellness Week and flu shots are offered in May and October respectively. During Wellness Week Goldberg Kohn offers several educational programs, blood screenings, outdoor activities and other fun events to motivate all employees to focus on health and well-being.
- The firm's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) helps maintain and promote the well-being of employees both in the workplace and in their personal lives.
- 401(k) program.
- Paid parental leave up to 12 weeks.
- The firm encourages associates to use their vacation time, which is 20 days accrued per anniversary year.
- The Rapid Transit Authority (RTA) benefit allows employees to take a specific amount of money out of their paycheck pre-tax and use it for transportation (CTA or Metra).
- The firm has a business casual dress code and Fridays are denim days. However, it is required that all attorneys have suitable business attire available at the office to deal with unanticipated hearings or client meetings.
- Goldberg Kohn hosts an annual holiday party and a bi-annual summer picnic for the entire firm. The firm also ensures that each department hosts its own holiday party.
- Goldberg Kohn is a very "green" firm, and has many programs to support sustainability. The firm organized a Project Green Committee in 2007 and this group of attorneys and staff have worked hard to make the firm as eco-friendly as possible.
