Attorneys
Otten Johnson prides itself on retaining an exceptional team of highly accomplished attorneys. Without exception, each contributes unique knowledge within his or her specialty practice area. We also recruit new and lateral attorneys, enlisting the best and the brightest, both locally and nationally.
What is the starting salary for new associates?
$170,000.00
Are there any bonus opportunities for associates?
In addition to salary, Otten Johnson associates are eligible for yearly bonuses based on such factors as the number of billable hours worked, quality of work and other contributions to the firm.
Does Otten Johnson have a retirement plan?
The firm has both a 401(k) program and profit sharing plan. Attorneys, paralegals and staff may participate in the 401(k) program immediately, and the firm matches 50% of the first 6% of the employee’s contribution. Employee contributions vest immediately and the firm’s contributions vest after the employee has been with Otten Johnson for two years. The firm also provides profit sharing to all of its employees after a year of continuous service.
Does Otten Johnson provide additional benefits?
Our firm provides a range of other significant employee benefits, including a generous group health benefits program.
What is the firm’s billable hour requirement for full-time attorneys?
Our expectation is that attorneys will bill at least 1750 hours annually.
How does Otten Johnson mentor and train new associates?
Each associate is paired with a director-level mentor and an associate mentor. These mentors provide invaluable assistance with, and insight into, the workings of the firm. Mentors help new associates navigate the “how-tos” of practicing in a challenging profession, developing business, and maintaining the balance between one’s professional and personal life. Additionally, Otten Johnson trains associates internally through programs presented by attorneys in each practice area, and externally through programs sponsored by organizations like the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Continuing Legal Education of Colorado, and CLE International. Our Attorney Development Committee monitors the mentoring and training of our associates.
How is work assigned to associates?
Typically, cases and transactions are assigned by mentors and other directors within specific practice groups. Our practice groups work closely to monitor and address workload issues for the associates within a particular group.
How are associates reviewed?
Our associates receive ongoing feedback from the assigning attorneys, and formal evaluations in November each year from all attorneys for whom they have performed substantive work. The annual review focuses on everything from the associate’s analytical and drafting abilities, to interaction with other attorneys, staff, and existing and prospective firm clients.
What is Otten Johnson’ s approach to pro bono work and other community service?
We believe that participation in pro bono or other community activities is a matter of personal choice. However, we encourage and strongly support our attorneys and staff who participate in such activities, many of which can help to facilitate a lawyer’s professional development. Our attorneys and staff serve on numerous nonprofit boards and actively participate in an array of community-oriented activities such as mentoring programs, holiday giving campaigns, pro bono legal services, and home remodeling projects for low-income families, to name just a few. Additionally, we created a charitable foundation in 2004 to facilitate and manage the firm’s philanthropic efforts.
What is the firm’s approach to business development?
Our attorneys – directors and associates – engage in a wide variety of business development activities. The firm encourages associates to assist directors with business development and to begin developing their own business and connections within the community. While the firm does not require associates to develop any particular amount of business, business development is one of many factors used in considering associates for bonuses and advancement.
What is the firm’s culture like in terms of racial and ethnic diversity?
Otten Johnson places a high value on diversity within the firm and strives to hire individuals as unique and diverse as the clients the firm serves. We were among the initial group of law firms to sign the Colorado Pledge to Diversity (The Pledge), a group devoted to the development, recruitment and retention of attorneys and staff of diverse backgrounds. We have also sponsored and participated in such programs as The Pledge’s First Year Law Clerk Program and the Rocky Mountain Diversity Legal Career Fair. Our attorneys and staff are also leaders and members of legal diversity organizations such as the Center for Legal Inclusiveness. Of course, Otten Johnson is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Does Otten Johnson pay for continuing education?
The firm pays for continuing legal education and other training programs.
Does the firm cover any costs associated with taking the bar?
Otten Johnson pays for bar expenses and provides a stipend of one month’s salary for those selected to join the firm as associates.
Does Otten Johnson pay bar membership dues?
Yes.
