Description:
The Law Firm of Buzzard O’Rourke, P.S. is seeking to hire a dedicated and detail-oriented associate attorney to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the law and a strong desire to excel. Buzzard O’Rourke is a well-established law firm that has served the Southwest Washington area for over 40 years. We are a busy firm, and in a period of growth and expansion. Our firm handles a broad range of legal matters including civil litigation, trust, estate and probate matters, property law, landlord/tenant law, personal injury, criminal defense, and family law. We also represent 6 cities and other large entities. Immediate caseload will include city prosecution cases and civil matters. We are looking for self-motivated attorneys who desire to develop and maintain a solid caseload and practice. Our services are always in demand and an associate attorney will be successful with the proper work ethic and drive.
Requirements:
- J.D. from accredited law school.
- Admitted to Washington State Bar.
- Strong research and legal writing skills.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to write clearly and persuasively.
- Experience with Westlaw.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Ability to learn other law office software.
Compensation:
Salary is based on historical performance of new associate attorneys at our firm in their first year. Associate attorney commission is 50% of the attorney's fees paid in a given month. This fee split is very favorable compared to other Lewis County and Southwest Washington firms. The split is designed to incentivize and reward attorneys for their work, and historically results in higher annual income than a salary based model or salary/smaller commission hybrid.
In order to ensure a new attorney receives income in their first six months of employment while building a client base, the firm guarantees a salary of $5,000.00 plus 50% commission on any fees received by the attorney above $10,000.00. By example, if in month one a new attorney has only $3,000.00 in fees received, they will still receive $5,000.00. If in month two of employment a new attorney receives $18,000.00 in fees, they would receive their $5,000.00 base salary and 50% of the $8,000.00 in fees received above the initial $10,000.00. The $5,000.00 salary plus $4,000.00 commission would result in an income of $9,000.00 for that month. If an attorney receives $22,000.00 in fees in month seven of employment, their income would be 50% of $22,000.00. or $11,000.00.
It is anticipated based upon historical precedent for new attorneys, our existing client base, and a growing population in Lewis County coupled with many retiring attorneys, that a new associate attorney will not have difficulty receiving an average of $20,000.00 in fees per month in their first couple years. A driven attorney will inevitably bill and receive more.
Benefits:
Annual Bar Dues paid by firm. CLEs paid by firm. 401k is available but is not employer matched at this time. Other benefits not included. Office closes to public at Noon on Fridays. Flexible on time off.
Application Process:
Please submit cover letter with references, resume, and writing sample (preferably a recent Memorandum of Law) by email to brookeann@buzzardlaw.com. All applicants will be advised whether or not they will be invited for an interview. Anticipated start date is upon hire. Thank you.
Buzzard O’Rourke, P.S. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity and access regardless of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, or sexual orientation. We will provide reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities during the selection process if requested. Please notify us of any such request upon applying. All candidates may be required to show proof of eligibility for employment, proof of identity and agree to be subject to a criminal background check and credit check.
