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Our Associates
Sherrard & Roe's philosophy is to give associates as much responsibility as they can reasonably handle while providing appropriate oversight from more experienced attorneys. From the beginning of their practice, new associates work closely with other attorneys at all levels in the Firm, including the Firm's most senior partners. For example, many large projects are staffed with a senior partner and an associate working together in conjunction with our support staff. Under this structure, associates experience a great deal of responsibility and client contact early in their legal career.
A necessary corollary for the success of this arrangement, however, is that proper supervision and mentoring is given to new attorneys. As such, attorneys in the Firm have an "open door" policy under which all attorneys, whether supervising a particular project or not, are available for discussion in connection with any questions that may arise.
Sherrard & Roe does not have separate departments in which associates are placed. Rather, an associate may expect to work in different practice areas, depending upon the wishes of the individual and the needs of the Firm. Every effort is made to accommodate an associate's request for work in a specific practice area. As an associate's career progresses, he or she can expect his or her practice to become more specialized as the associate develops certain areas of expertise. We believe that this process results in a more "complete" attorney, better equipped to identify and address the needs of our clients.
Sherrard & Roe's philosophy is that every associate is hired with the intent that he or she will make partner. Rather than leveraging the associates of the Firm, the partners of Sherrard & Roe believe the long-term health of the Firm is better served by hiring only those individuals whom the Firm believes have the capability to make partner, and then providing a work environment that will best enable such associates to make the professional progression to partner.
Sherrard & Roe recognizes that quality-of-life issues are increasingly affecting the career decisions of law students and new associates, and the Firm desires that associates have time for a life outside of work. The Firm's work requirements are structured accordingly, with a goal of 1,800 billable hours for both partners and associates. In addition, the Firm encourages its attorneys to become involved in Pro Bono activities and other community service endeavors.
"Sherrard & Roe is not a place where your role as a new attorney is merely to take notes, review documents, and write internal memos. Rather, all of the Firm's attorneys, even the newest associates, are expected to share responsibility for serving client needs. For me, this has meant immediate and extensive contact with clients and opposing counsel and involvement with all phases of the deals on which I have worked."
-Steve Hurd |
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