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"Interesting cases, outstanding colleagues, and lots of responsibility - I have never second-guessed my decision to join Cooper & Walinski." (H. Allred)
"I joined Cooper & Walinski because, simply put, I wanted to be a great attorney; and I knew that in order to achieve this goal, I had to learn from the best." (M. Maurer) |
Cooper & Walinski's associates enjoy a supportive environment in which to develop their skills as practicing attorneys. Associates are encouraged to try a variety of practice areas, yet they are free to concentrate in areas that interest them. The firm's requirement of 1,675 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 monitors 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 previous 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 have personal contact 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 weekly firm meetings. 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. They also attend the offsite meeting held semiannually to review and discuss firm goals and professional objectives.
First-year associates starting in 2010 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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