Laterals / New Associates

Attorneys are hired depending upon the firm’s practice area needs, although the firm may also hire on an opportunistic basis.  Associates are assigned to a practice group managed by a specific practice group leader, but the associate may also work in other practice groups closely related to his or her primary area of practice.

Each practice group leader works with each associate in the practice group to explain the guidelines for associate training and development.  New associates are assigned a mentor to guide the associate on legal and non-legal matters and to help the associate timely reach the stated goals for development.  It is Ball Janik LLP’s hope that all associates become partners.  The timeframe for an associate to become a partner is seven years, although this may be adjusted depending upon the associate’s development.  Once partners vote an associate a partner, admission to the partnership occurs approximately six months thereafter.

Associates attend the firm’s semi-annual retreats, held either in the city of Portland or at resorts outside the city.  Regular practice group meetings occur throughout the month to discuss client matters, attorney workloads, practice area issues, legal developments and new laws within the practice area, feedback from attorneys on CLEs they attend, and any other topics specific to the practice group.  Associates meet monthly to discuss ideas and concerns which may be directed to firm management.