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"Interesting cases, outstanding colleagues, and as much responsibility as you can handle - I have never second-guessed my decision to join Cooper & Walinski." (B. Hubbell)
"We're part of a team, supporting each other to serve our clients, the community, and our families. The contributions of all - lawyers, legal assistants, and support staff - are appreciated." (M. Mercurio) |
Cooper & Walinski's associates enjoy a supportive environment in which they can develop as practicing attorneys. Associates are encouraged to experience a variety of legal areas yet have the freedom to develop areas of concentration that reflect their individual interests. The firm's requirements of 1675 billable hours per year allows associates to balance their personal and professional lives and leaves time for public-service work and community activities.
Associates are paired with a supervising attorney. The firm uses a checklist to monitor each associate's exposure to the firm's various areas of practice.
The shareholder-track at Cooper & Walinski is seven years. Credit is sometimes given for prior legal experience and judicial clerkships. The firm hires and trains associates expecting that each will become a shareholder. There is no planned attrition, and associates do not compete for a limited number of shareholder positions. The absence of internal competition fosters close personal and professional relationships among the associates.
Within the first few years of practice, new associates can expect to interact with clients, interview witnesses, draft pleadings and motions, take and defend depositions, engage in settlement negotiations, and participate in hearings and trials. Associates participate in firm meetings held each Friday. They also attend the offsite attorney meeting held biannually to review and discuss firm goals and professional objectives. Associates are routinely involved in recruiting and other firm decisions. They have access to the firm's financial information and are encouraged to take an active role in client development.
First-year associates starting in 2008 will be paid an annual salary of $67,500 plus a $5,000 graduation bonus. The  firm pays the costs associated with taking the Ohio state bar exams. Additional benefits include:
- Health, life, disability, and professional liability insurance;
- Pre-tax spending account for dependent care and health care;
- Participation in the 401(k) profit-sharing plan pursuant to plan eligibility;
- Paid parking;
- Continuing Legal Education reimbursement up to $1,000 for each reporting period; and
- Professional fees, including dues for the Supreme Court of Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association, and the Toledo Bar Association.
Our Associates
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