Involvement with assignments and meetings does not preclude social activities, including sports and cultural events, which are another important dimension of attorney life. A mentor helps acquaint each summer associate with other members of the firm and with the Twin Cities. I was concerned about the cultural shock in joining a firm of 10 times that size. My concerns were completely unfounded. In addition, our pro bono policy and commitment recognizes our obligations to others.
Many firms talk about pro bono and a balanced life, but it goes out the window in practice.
We both say the words and live them. Add to that a wonderfully open and collegial culture and you have a great place to work. I asked two law school classmates who had clerked in the federal district court in Minnesota which firms were most respected by the federal judges. I also talked to a friend who was general counsel for a large national business, based in Minneapolis, that used a variety of local law firms. I wanted to work directly with clients, handle depositions and make appearances as quickly as possible.