Compensation & Benefits

First year associates are generally hired prior to graduation. We pay for a bar examination preparation course and bar examination fees, and provide a stipend for the summer as the first year associate studies for the bar examination. Associates begin work at the firm once they have completed the examination, usually in September or October.
Associates are paid a base salary. In addition, associates who complete at least 1,900 billable hours per year are eligible for an annual bonus tied to the number of hours billed over the 1,900 minimum requirement. There is also the possibility of receiving a discretionary bonus at the end of the year, which has generally been based on qualitative issues.

Associates receive a competitive vacation package, and are eligible to participate in the firm’s group health, life and disability insurance plans shortly after their date of hire. In addition, associates are provided benefits such as dependent care, tax-deferred medical spending, professional liability insurance, maternity leave, and parking, to name a few.

The firm offers generous retirement benefits, including a 401(k) plan, in which associates become eligible to participate after one year of employment. The firm also makes contributions to each associate’s retirement through a profit-sharing plan at the end of the year. Vesting in the profit-sharing plan begins after one year of employment.

We hire associates we believe have the potential to become partners at the firm. We expect our attorneys to grow and develop during their associate years and eventually make partner. Admission to partnership is based primarily on an associate’s per-
formance in accordance with the high standards the firm sets for all of our attorneys. In order to become a partner at Barger & Wolen LLP, attorneys must practice a minimum of eight years.