“DWT has ensured I have no shortage of support systems at every turn, helping me adjust to this new profession coming right out of law school.”
Christine McFadden Associate | Seattle
“My favorite part about being a junior attorney at DWT has been the ability to work closely with trailblazers in various industries.”
Lekan Sumonu Associate | New York
Christine McFadden
Associate, Seattle Joined DWT: 2022 (Summer Associate 2021)
Why DWT?
In my first year at the firm, what I like best about DWT are the many mentorship opportunities, the camaraderie across the case teams I’m on, and the incredibly interesting problems I’m able to investigate for clients already as a junior associate. DWT has ensured I have no shortage of support systems at every turn, helping me adjust to this new profession coming right out of law school. I also thrive in a team environment and have particularly enjoyed working alongside and learning from such brilliant litigators. I feel thankful to work at a firm that handles such engaging, complex, and important issues for our clients and look forward to growing here as a new attorney.
Lekan Sumonu
Associate, New York Joined DWT: 2022 (Summer Associate 2021, 2020)
Why DWT?
I have been with DWT since I participated in the summer associate program. From the outset, the lawyers and staff have shown their commitment to my professional development and ultimate success. My favorite part about being a junior attorney at DWT has been the ability to work closely with trailblazers in various industries on a national platform and through those experiences, curate my own practice. As a litigation associate in the media and entertainment practice group, I have been and continue to be exposed to matters of the highest caliber and afforded the opportunity to join teams handling complex litigation. As an entry level attorney at DWT, I am supported in my practice and career ambitions, and reminded of the value I contribute to the success of the firm through the provision of quality work and accessibility of leadership roles on firm committees. With DWT, I can envision a long and successful legal career.
DWT is unlike most other law firms. We offer a team-oriented culture where collaboration is encouraged and contributions are valued. To help you develop as an entry-level associate, you will receive in-depth training, meaningful assignments, and ongoing support to build your practice.
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What documents are needed to complete my application?
We require a cover letter, resume, a copy of the law school transcript, and a brief writing sample or a deal sheet (depending on practice area).
Do all of the documents need to be provided prior to scheduling an interview?
Initially having the cover letter, resume, and law school transcript is enough at the review stage, but we would require the writing sample (or deal sheet) prior to scheduling an interview.
What should I expect of the interview process?
For our associate candidates, our interview process consists of the following stages:
- Initial Interview: Meet with 1-2 attorneys at a DWT office, if possible; other accommodations will be made if necessary. This initial meeting typically takes an hour.
- Full Round Interviews: Visit a DWT office to meet with 4-6 additional attorneys (a mix of partners and associates) including, when possible, the Practice Group Chair and Partner-In-Charge. These meetings generally take 3-4 hours.
- Additional Interviews: In some cases, when key attorneys are not available during the Full Round, we may ask a candidate to come back for additional interviews to meet those key people.
- Next Steps: If an offer is being considered we collect references and a list of the candidate’s client/matters to start a conflicts check.
What is the dress code for interviews at DWT?
The dress code for interviews is business professional.
If a lunch interview is scheduled who do I contact about dietary restrictions or preferences?
We are happy to accommodate special needs as you may require. Please talk with your Recruiting Department contact to discuss these requests.
How soon can I expect to hear feedback after the interviews are completed?
The timing of feedback can vary. The Recruiting Team will keep you updated.
How many references are required and when will they be contacted?
We require 2 to 3 references. One must be a current or direct supervisor, and the other two can be supervisors who can speak to your work from previous employers. Once an offer is extended we’ll seek your permission to contact the supervisor(s) who are from previous employers as soon as we can. Once the offer is accepted and notice is given we will contact the current employer reference.
What is the annual billable hours expectation at DWT?
1850 billable hours expectation.
Does DWT have a lock-step or merit-based system of advancement?
Our advancement system is merit-based. Associates are evaluated annually at year-end.
What types of benefits does DWT provide?
In addition to health, vision, and dental plans, below is a sample of our other benefits:
- Bar dues
- Life insurance
- Supplemental life insurance
- Personal accident insurance
- Vacation
- Sick leave
- 401(k) Tax deferred savings plan
- Flexible spending accounts for medical and transportation costs
- Transportation subsidy
- Associate wellness reimbursem*nt
- Child and elder care
- Parental leave
Is pro bono work available at the associate level?
The firm encourages all attorneys and staff to participate in pro bono projects and to contribute to our tradition as a leader in the communities in which we live. After you meet your client billable hours expectation, work billed on qualified pro bono matters will be counted toward your hours for bonus purposes, up to a maximum of 8%. Similarly, hours worked on eligible Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion activities, up to 3% of the annual billable hours expectation, will be considered for bonus purposes.
Does DWT have Affinity groups as part of its Diversity & Inclusion program?
Diversity is a core value at DWT. Our affinity group program is instrumental in striving towards our goals to not only create an inclusive environment within DWT, but also to contribute to growing diversity within the legal profession as a whole. Our groups help create opportunities for mentorship, skills training, networking and business development.
Our current affinity groups are:
- LGBTQ Attorneys
- Diverse Attorneys
- Women Attorneys
- Senior Attorneys
- Veteran Attorneys
- Flexible Hours Attorneys
To learn more about our Diversity Initiatives and Affinity Groups, click here
What training and professional development does DWT offer?
DWT offers both informal and formal training and development including individual coaching, mentoring, and career planning. Our learning initiatives are relevant, cutting-edge, timely and hands-on. We also have a strong belief in on-the-job learning. Our targeted and multi-faceted learning curriculum enhances lawyer development in key competency areas as well as practice-specific training. Our attorneys also have access to thousands of online continuing legal education (CLE) programs and a customized portal of eLearning materials.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
Contact Sandra Morriss, Manager, Law Student Talent Acquisition, at sandramorriss@dwt.com.
