Q: What are the pay and benefits for starting associates?

A: Schnader sets its associate compensation by city; bonuses also are available to associates based on factors such as hours worked, quality of work and contributions to the Firm. Benefits are uniform across all of our offices. All lawyers may take four weeks of paid vacation a year and all regularly celebrated holidays. We provide the following benefits:

401(k) Plan for Associates
Retirement Plan Investment Advice services

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance

Life and AD&D insurance
Supplemental Life insurance
Supplemental AD&D insurance
Spouse/Domestic Partner Life insurance
Child Life insurance
Spouse/Domestic Partner AD&D insurance
Child AD&D insurance

Short Term Disability
Long Term Disability

Paid Parental Leave

Medical Flexible Spending Account
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Pre-Tax Transportation Account

Employee Assistance Plan
Work-Life Services
Back-up Child Care
Annual Flu Immunizations
Wellness Programs

Paid Bar Association Dues
Continuing Legal Education

Part-time and flex-time arrangements available

All benefits are available for Domestic Partners

Q: Can you describe the interview process and a typical callback interview?

A: The majority of the initial interviews take place on law school campuses. However, we also welcome applications directly from qualified students at schools where we do not conduct on-campus interviews. Callbacks are extended after the on-campus interview, and they take place at our offices. The candidate typically will meet with our Manager of Legal Recruitment and five or so lawyers. First- and second-year associates serve as hosts throughout the interview process and help to make you comfortable while you are visiting the Firm.

Q: Do you allow split summers?

A: We handle these requests on a case-by-case basis. We do not permit splitting with other Philadelphia firms and generally we discourage split summers.

Q: How does the summer work assignment process work?

A: We do not assign our summer Associates to a department nor do we have a formal rotation program. Instead, we make assignments based on the expressed preferences of the summer associate and the level of urgency of the work. Our Summer Associates Committee monitors the assignments of each associate very closely and works to make sure that all associates gain exposure to the various practice areas in which they have an interest.

Q: Will I be able to work on pro bono matters as a summer associates?

A: Absolutely -- in fact, we encourage it! Our summer associates frequently assist our lawyers with ongoing pro bono matters in the Firm. In addition, the Firm participates in the Philadelphia VIP Summer Associate Program. Philadelphia VIP is the pro bono arm of the Philadelphia Bar Association. Summer associates participate in one of five different training seminars including, senior, real estate, nonprofit formation, family and consumer law. Afterwards, the associates can elect to participate in one of five VIP-organized community education outreach clinics to assist and empower low-income Philadelphians. For more information on the firm's pro bono program, click here.

Q: What are some of the social activities provided for summer associates?

A: We have frequent informal gatherings throughout the summer so that summer associates and their guests can meet our lawyers in a non-business setting. For example, this past summer, our associates attended a performance of the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann Music Center, as well as a private tour of the famous Barnes Foundation Collection, participated in a city-wide scavenger hunt, dined in the homes of our lawyers, went bowling and played on the Firm's softball team. Throughout the year, the firm also hosts social gatherings where lawyers and staff are invited to enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the Firm's reception area. Our lawyers are also very generous about inviting summer associates to lunch at various Center City restaurants.

Q: What resources are available to summer associates?

A: As you would expect, each associate has an office and computer. Every summer associate has access to word processing, e-mail, Lexis and Westlaw as well as other software from his or her desk. We also have a firm-wide Intranet. Each summer associate also has secretarial support through our Document Production Department. Our law library offers an extensive collection of research materials, web-based resources and an extremely knowledgeable and helpful staff.

Q: What summer associate opportunities will be available in 2007?

A: We anticipate a summer associate program of 6-8 students.
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