Associate Selection & Responsibilities at Steptoe & Johnson

Associate Selection & Responsibilities at Steptoe & Johnson

Associate Selection & Compensation

Steptoe & Johnson offers associates a broad range of hands-on experience that contributes to each individual’s development as a lawyer.  As associates with the firm, new lawyers are given the opportunity to work directly with clients early in their careers, pursue crucial training options, and form valuable mentoring relationships. 

Steptoe & Johnson’s need for associates varies from year to year.  However, the firm is always interested in enthusiastic, energetic, and eager law students as they make decisions pertaining to their legal careers.  Steptoe & Johnson’s lawyers come from the most prestigious law schools in the nation, including:

  • College of William & Mary
  • Georgetown Law Center
  • George Washington University
  • Harvard Law School
  • Notre Dame University
  • The Ohio State University
  • Penn State Dickinson School of Law
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Louisville
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • University of Richmond
  • University of Tennessee
  • University of Virginia
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Wake Forest School of Law
  • Washington & Lee University
  • West Virginia University

In all hiring decisions, recruiting committee members consider the full range of an applicant's qualifications, with particular emphasis on traits that demonstrate legal ability, commitment to professional achievement, and compatibility with the firm culture.  Key factors include:

  • Demonstrated aptitude and achievement
  • Demonstrated verbal and writing abilities
  • Law school grades
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Undergraduate education and accomplishments
  • Work experience

In addition, the Recruiting Committee considers factors that demonstrate personal maturity, initiative, adaptability, good judgment, and a sincere interest in the professional and personal aspects of membership in a firm.  Because the firm maintains close working relationships with clients, attorneys, and judges in many communities throughout the region, a potential associate must be able to deal personably and effectively with others on a daily basis.

The annual salary for new associates is one of the highest available in the region. The firm reviews each associate’s salary on an annual basis. 

Steptoe & Johnson also offers a competitive benefit package, which includes a 401(k) plan, term life, long-term disability, medical, and AD&D insurance, as well as a flexible spending plan.  As to professional benefits, Steptoe & Johnson provides its associates with liability insurance and reimbursement for mandatory bar association dues, approved continuing legal education expenses, and other practice-related obligations.  Associates also are encouraged to take approximately two weeks of vacation each year.

Employment for new associates typically begins in September of each year. The firm pays recent law school graduates a one-time, summer stipend, currently $6,000, to cover moving costs and living expenses incurred while studying for the bar examination. The firm also pays for the cost of approved bar review courses and bar application fees.


To explore joining Steptoe & Johnson's legal staff, please send resumes to:

Michele L. Bendekovic
Director of Recruiting & Professional Development
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
P.O. Box 1616
Morgantown, WV 26507-1616
Email: Michele.Bendekovic@steptoe-johnson.com

Jane E. Douglas
Recruiting Coordinator
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
P.O. Box 1588
Charleston, WV 25236-1588
Email: Jane.Douglas@steptoe-johnson.com

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is an equal opportunity employer.
 

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