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UCLA's public interest law program bombarded with students

UCLA School of Law's public interest law program, a top recruiting location for organizations such as the Peace Corps and Teach for America, is reporting a record number of applicants. The number of students applying for the program is much higher than the number of seats at the school.

The program accepts 25 first-year law students and few transfers each year. The number of applicants last year exceeded 500. The program accepts students based on commitment to community work and volunteer experience.

Although the average salary at a nonprofit organization or public interest firm ranges from $37,000 to $40,000, far lower than law firm salaries, students who opt for this sort of practice have the opportunity to practice in diverse areas, including civil rights, AIDS, immigration, homelessness, disability and environmental law. Jobs in public interest law are notoriously competitive with few openings.

03-24-2006

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Partnership disparity remains for female attorneys

According to the National Association for Law Placement, only 17% of the partners at the nation's top law firms were women in 2005, a slight increase from 1995's 13%.

Although women occupy the top ranks at law schools, they represent a significantly smaller number of law firm partners. Some big firms, however, have recognized the importance of equality and have made extra efforts to avoid discrimination.

Firms like Baker & McKenzie, Howrey, Latham & Watkins, Kirkland & Ellis, Covington & Burling and Deloitte & Touche are closing the partnership gap for women. They have introduced flexible working schedules, career programs and generous maternity leave policies for female associates on the partnership track.

03-24-2006

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Latham & Watkins announces further associate salary increases

For the second time this year, Latham & Watkins has increased associate salaries.

A raise of $5,000, effective January 1, will be offered to associates at Latham & Watkins. Previously, the firm added $10,000 to associate salaries in New York and $5,000 in all other offices.

The new raise will not affect associates in the firm's New York office, where first-years currently earn $145,000 per year. Fourth-years at the firm will now receive $175,000, and seventh-years will make up to $215,000 per year.

03-23-2006

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Benefits of law firm networks

Law firm networks are offering an alternative to smaller regional firms that wish to remain independent and avoid acquisition by larger firms.

Many mid-tier firms that have joined national and international law firm networks claim that membership in such networks offers an effective marketing tool and leverage to maintain independence in a competitive marketplace.

Law firm networks gained popularity in the 1980s and 90s when several networks were created for management, specialty practices and general firms. Membership generally requires payment of an initiation fee plus annual costs. Representatives of law firm networks assert that the price of membership is offset by the value of the benefits, which include publicity and client referrals.

03-23-2006

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Burgeoning lobbying practice in Atlanta

Atlanta-based law firms are steadily developing state lobbying practices by building in-house practice groups or forging partnerships. McKenna Long & Aldridge, Troutman Sanders, Alston & Bird and Holland & Knight all have growing lobbying practices in the Atlanta area.

Most recently, Powell Goldstein formed a strategic partnership with lobbying group Massey & Bowers Public Affairs. Although Massey & Bowers' agreement with Powell Goldstein is not an exclusive one, they plan to work together with clients on various projects and develop a joint marketing scheme.

03-23-2006

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Susman Godfrey seeks to move to New York City

Houston-based firm Susman Godfrey has expressed interest in establishing a presence in New York. A vote by equity partners at the end of the month will formally cement the plan to break into the New York market.

With offices in Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles and Seattle, the firm is planning a modest entry into the New York office. The firm has subleased an office space for five lawyers in New York. This follows the firm's tradition of launching small satellite offices. Its Seattle office opened in 1995 and now consists of nine lawyers. The demand for a contingent-fee commercial plaintiffs' litigation practice is expected to fuel the firm's growth prospects in New York.

The firm also plans to increase associate salaries in its Texas, Seattle and Los Angeles offices to New York levels following the moves of rivals Vinson & Elkins, Andrews Kurth and Baker Botts.

03-23-2006

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Post & Schell CEO credited with firm's success

Five years ago, Post & Schell appointed healthcare litigator Brian Peters CEO of the firm. Since then, the firm has made numerous major advancements. Today, the firm applauds Peters' leadership as instrumental in making the firm a power player.

Since Peters' appointment as CEO, the Philadelphia-based firm has moved into new offices, raised starting associate salaries three times and implemented higher billing rates. Profits per partner reportedly increased radically.

By recruiting 23 partners from large firms such as Morgan Lewis & Bockius, Duane Morris, Saul Ewing, and Wolf Block Schorr & Solis-Cohen, the firm has doubled in size. The firm has also added practices including white-collar criminal defense, transactional and regulatory healthcare, environmental, energy and labor law. Most recently, the firm opened an office in Washington, DC.

03-22-2006

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