Attorneys
Since the firm was established in 1988, the number of attorneys at Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP, has grown significantly. Attorneys have joined the firm either in entry level positions (following the completion of law school or a judicial clerkship) or in lateral positions (coming from other law firms or government positions).
Entry Level Associates
The firm generally seeks to hire associates whose academic performances place them in the top 10% of their class, although the firm does not apply an arbitrary "cut-off" for consideration. Participation on law journals, trial clinics, and/or moot court boards is also strongly preferred and encouraged. Prior life experience, especially in a field that is associated with the firm's work, is also desirable, but not mandatory. For example, a number of our attorneys have worked in the medical or pharmaceutical fields.
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Lateral Entry Attorneys
Many of the firm's associate attorneys had experience at other law firms before coming to Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP. Many come from larger firms and are seeking a more integrated, active trial practice.
Lateral hires are made on an individual-by-individual basis, thereby making it difficult to draw broad generalizations about this route of entry. Typically, lateral positions are filled to meet a specific need in a particular practice area. The firm seeks attorneys who have the ability to be first tier trial attorneys. Lateral candidates should have excellent research and writing abilities and litigation experience, including the ability to take depositions, argue motions, and participate at trial. Appellate advocacy skills are also valued. Specialized training and experience in other fields, such as engineering, medicine, pharmacology and biostatistics, are advantageous, but not required. Although lateral hires tend to be made on an as needed basis, the firm is always amenable to meeting with attorneys who possess the skills, experience, and academic credentials that would be an asset to the firm's practice and service of its clients.
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The Summer Associate Program
Over the years, many of the firm's entry level attorneys were summer associates with the firm during law school. Our summer associate program typically has had between 2 and 4 summer associates, most of whom have completed two years of law school. Summer associates are encouraged to work broadly in all areas of the firm. Assignments are selected by the summer associates from a notebook of assignments, and summer associates are asked by the firm's attorneys to become involved in projects that are ongoing. In almost all cases, the work assigned to the summer associates is work of the type that is routinely assigned to and handled by our entry level lawyers. The program is designed to provide the summer associates with a true picture of the firm's practice and the work of its lawyers.
Throughout the summer, a calendar of depositions, trials, client meetings, and other "outside events" is maintained. The summer associates are strongly encouraged to attend depositions, client meetings, trials, and other events in order to get first-hand exposure to our practice and the day-to-day work of our trial attorneys. Summer associates are encouraged to attend these outside opportunities at least once a week.
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Judicial Clerkships
Many of the firm's summer associates have gone on to obtain judicial clerkships after the completion of law school. The firm considers the completion of a judicial clerkship to be a matter of personal choice. There is no requirement that entry level attorneys complete a judicial clerkship. However, many of the firm's partners and associates completed judicial clerkships and believe them to be a valuable learning experience.
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Mentoring
Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP prides itself on mentoring its associates and providing them with meaningful opportunities to become well-rounded, sophisticated trial lawyers.
Each associate is paired with a mentor who will assist with the associate's professional growth and development. In addition to the formal and informal interactions between mentors and associates, the firm hosts continuing legal education meetings and trial advocacy training programs.
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Attorney Career Contact Information
We invite you to explore career opportunities at Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP. We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits.
Please forward your resume and cover letter relating to attorney employment opportunities with the firm to:
Andrea G. Korphage
Human Resources Administrator/Marketing Coordinator
Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP
One South Street, Floor 20
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 783-7216 Telephone
(410) 951-0481 Fax
akorphage@gdldlaw.com
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