Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.

Vault’s Verdict: Whether it’s because of the lack of billable hours (seriously: the firm doesn’t use billable hours to evaluate individual lawyers), the plethora of substantive legal opportunities, the focus on community involvement or the respect for work/life balance, Robinson Bradshaw associates are some of the happiest and most fulfilled in the business.

Associate Life

Satisfaction
• “As a [mid-level] associate in a well-respected firm, I have had an incredible array of experience—I have first-chaired a jury trial, taken three cases all the way through arbitration (questioning witnesses, etc.), taken numerous depositions, argued an appeal to the Fourth Circuit, and generally been very involved in strategic decision-making and client communications. Every day presents a new challenge, and the work is interesting and fun.”
• “Associates are given a great deal of responsibility very early in their careers: frequent client contact, depositions and oral arguments, litigation strategy and brief writing. Shareholders listen to your ideas, and keep their doors open if you have questions. The firm has a clear, long-term outlook to attorney training: for example, our rotation program is not designed to generate immediate revenue, but to develop better lawyers who can understand the big picture and, ultimately, deliver top-notch client service.”
• “Our firm does an excellent job of allowing associates to explore their interests and, to a reasonable extent, shape their own career paths. Working on a variety of projects to gain exposure to a broad array of practice areas is encouraged. In fact, first-year associates are required to rotate through all of our departments. I have found this approach effective in allowing me to develop a practice that is both enjoyable and fulfilling.”
• “As a [junior] associate, I've been given a lot of responsibility and opportunities to be involved in matters with high-profile clients. Colleagues are extremely helpful when needed, and I always feel valued and part of the team.”