This section addresses the most frequently asked questions about all aspects of life as an attorney at Goldberg Kohn. If you have further questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us directly.
The Summer Program
How many summer associates are you looking for?
We look for a class of approximately five law students.
How is summer associate work assigned? Can summer associates work for more than one practice group?
Our summer associate assignment process is flexible. Every effort is made to give summer associates work in practice areas that interest them - whether that involves sampling work from many practice areas or concentrating on a particular area. The process is coordinated by a group of attorneys who monitor all summer associate assignments to ensure that the appropriate workload mix and volume are achieved. Most assignments involve direct contact with a principal who is working on the matter.
How are summer associates reviewed?
Summer associates receive informal feedback throughout the course of the summer from the attorneys with whom they work. In addition, the principal in charge of the summer associate program conducts formal reviews of summer associates halfway through the summer and again at the end of the summer.
Can I split my summer?
We discourage splitting, because it limits the time that the firm and summer associates have to evaluate each other; however, we are willing to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis and have done so in the past.
Associate Salaries/Benefits
What is the firm's starting salary?
Our starting salary is a $145,000 base salary with a $5,000 target bonus if you meet your target hours.
Does the firm pay a merit bonus? If so, how is the amount of that bonus determined?
Goldberg Kohn has a merit-based bonus program. Bonuses, which are awarded the first quarter of each calendar year, are guided by the following general principles:
- Bonuses are merit-based and require recipients to have done high-quality work over the last year.
- In order to receive current payment of 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.
What other benefits does the firm offer?
Goldberg Kohn offers a 401(k) plan, medical and dental insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and an employee assistance program that includes work/life balance programs.
What is the firm's dress code?
Our dress policy is "business casual." We do require that all attorneys have suitable business attire available at the office to deal with unanticipated hearings or client meetings. We also expect our attorneys to choose business attire when uncertain about proper dress for any given situation.
Would I get credit for a clerkship? Would I get a clerkship bonus, and if so, how much would it be?
Goldberg Kohn typically gives associates credit for judicial clerkships, whether state or federal. In addition, clerks are paid a $10,000 bonus upon joining the firm.
Associate Life
How many billable hours does the firm require of associates?
2,000.
Is pro bono work required? How are pro bono hours counted? What type of pro bono work is done?
Although pro bono work is certainly encouraged, it is not required. In addition, unlike at many other law firms, associates' time spent on approved pro bono matters is tracked, and these hours are counted along with regular billable hours both for meeting the required hours and for bonus consideration. The type of pro bono work we do is diverse and spread throughout virtually all of the practice areas of the firm.
What is the firm's part-time policy?
Goldberg Kohn is willing to permit associates 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 formal policy that can be provided to candidates upon request.
What types of work does the firm do?
Goldberg Kohn has a broad-based commercial practice divided into the following practice groups:
Are associates hired to work in specific practice groups?
No. Associates are hired by the firm. Associates typically choose - and are encouraged - to concentrate their practices in particular practice groups. However, the firm's atmosphere is fostered by a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and we place an emphasis on forging well-rounded lawyers; so associates (and principals) are, on occasion, asked to help out in other practice groups as necessary.
Are associates encouraged to specialize within practice groups?
Associates are not required to specialize within practice groups, but we attempt to accommodate desires to do so. Goldberg Kohn is willing to devote significant resources to permitting associates to develop new practice focuses.
How are projects assigned within a practice group?
Projects are assigned by principals on an informal basis. The principals within a practice group strive to provide the associates practicing in their area with a wide range of experiences, both in terms of substance and of opportunities to work with a variety of principals.
How are projects staffed?
Most matters are staffed with one principal and one or two associates, which tends to be fewer lawyers than the opposition. Occasionally, more associates and/or principals participate; but in general, Goldberg Kohn strives to limit the number of attorneys involved in projects. We believe that our clients, our associates, and the firm as a whole benefit from such concentrated staffing.
Will the firm continue to grow?
As our business grows, the firm will continue to grow. Most importantly, Goldberg Kohn is committed to growing through the addition of quality people, one by one. We are even more committed, as we expand, to maintaining the values that brought each of us here.
Principalship
How long is the principal track?
Seven and a half years.
Do I have to be able to bring in business to make principal?
Principalship decisions are not based on business production. However, we do expect associates to demonstrate the qualities we believe are essential to their making significant contributions to the firm, including the abilities to develop new relationships and to foster existing relationships over the long-term.
Does the firm have "income" or non-equity principals?
No, the firm has only equity principals.
Contact Information
How do I contact Goldberg Kohn about employment opportunities?
Please contact our office at the address provided below.
Sherry L. Gini
Director of Human Resources
Goldberg, Kohn, Bell, Black, Rosenbloom & Moritz, Ltd.
55 East Monroe Street, Suite 3300
Chicago, IL 60603-5792
Tel 312.201.3952
Fax 312.863.7452
You can also e-mail your inquiries to:
sherry.gini@goldbergkohn.com
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