Work Environment
We believe that the focused nature of our practice and working style, our long-term approach to associate development, and the Firm's less formal management structure fosters a friendly and supportive environment. Cases are staffed with small teams of attorneys and associates have early and frequent opportunity for substantive responsibility and client contact. In addition, as an entrepreneurial firm, all attorneys are encouraged to have personal involvement in the matters on which they work and in matters of firm policy and governance.
Compensation
We are committed to providing our associates with a level of compensation competitive with the market. The base salary for a first-year associate is $160,000. Compensation levels are reviewed annually and the firm provides associate discretionary year-end bonuses. The firm provides a bonus and credit for judicial clerkships.
Benefits
The Firm offers a comprehensive benefits program in which coverage begins on your first day of employment. This package includes: major medical / hospitalization / prescription insurance plan, dental coverage, vision plan (domestic partner coverage is available), life & AD&D insurance with the option to elect supplemental life insurance, short & long term disability coverage, eligibility to enroll in the firm's 401(k) retirement savings plan, a flexible spending program, pre-tax parking/transportation program, employee assistance program. Sick leave salary contribution program, parental child care leave and paid time off benefits (vacation/personal) In addition the firm sponsors Continuing Legal Education (including Professional Development Training Program), covers bar review and registration fees, offers a ten-day paid bar study leave, coverage of relocation expenses along with a student matching gift program.
Training
Our associates work directly with experienced attorneys in an energetic and intellectual environment, fostering working relationships both with colleagues and clients. Formal training is also pursued vigorously at the firm and programming is offered pertinent to associate experience levels. These skills and 'best practice' resources provide each of our attorneys with a toolkit, encompassing each phase of a litigation as they continue to develop into seasoned attorneys.
We offer incoming associates opportunities to participate in transitional training programs that will acquaint them with the responsibilities of a litigator at our firm. Our programs are hosted by experienced attorneys and offer immediate hands-on experience. Topics range from writing skills and effective communication to the 'nuts and bolts' of the litigation process. In addition, all incoming associates participate in a partner lunch series and an associate advisor program, both devised to provide assistance in their acclimation to the firm.
Summer Associates are offered customized training through our "Training Tuesday Series." This includes, among other courses, an interactive mock deposition program and an opening statements workshop.
Pro Bono
The Firm recognizes the importance of providing pro bono services to individuals and organizations unable to afford quality legal representation, and is committed to providing the same zealous representation of its pro bono clients as any other firm clients. Attorneys in the firm, particularly junior associates, are encouraged to handle whatever type of pro bono matter interests them. The firm takes on matters referred by many legal services organizations, and attorneys are welcome to initiate their own pro bono projects, subject to firm approval. The firm treats hours worked on pro bono matters the same as hours worked on billable matters as a factor in determining compensation.
Kasowitz handles a variety of pro bono matters on behalf of individuals and organizations, many of which are referred to the Firm by various public interest organizations, including among others, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, The Legal Aid Society, inMotion, and Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. Firm attorneys handle cases involving landlord-tenant disputes, special education services, child custody and support, uncontested divorces, political asylum and immigration, and other areas. Firm attorneys also work on pro bono matters they initiate or that are referred by other organizations, depending on their personal interests. In addition, firm attorneys serve on the boards of legal services organizations and are involved in advising various community and not-for-profit organizations. Examples of pro bono matters recently handled by the firm include:
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Representing Holocaust survivors who lived in a German-controlled ghetto in an ongoing screening and clinic program to apply for reparations under a new program funded by the German Government.
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Representing refugees from Tibet, Bhutan, Sudan (Darfur) and other countries in applying for political asylum and handling related immigration issues.
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Representing victims of domestic violence in child custody and divorce proceedings and recovering additional child support and other relief.
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Representing an inmate who was allegedly beaten by prison guards in obtaining a favorable settlement.
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Representing a severely handicapped child in a lawsuit to obtain additional special education services.
Diversity
Kasowitz is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment. The Firm’s culture and policies value the unique abilities and perspectives of every individual and believe a diverse makeup is an asset when providing our clients with the highest level of service as well as attracting talented litigators. Our success is derived from the unique skills, talents and perspectives of our lawyers and staff – people of all backgrounds, regardless of sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or national origin.
Kasowitz devotes time and resources to maintaining a diverse workplace. The Firm actively participates and supports minority organizations and forums, including, among others: recruiting at schools that traditionally have greater numbers of minority students, outreach to diverse law student groups, participating in the Northeast Black Law Student Association (NEBLSA) Job Fair, and the PALS Mock Interview Program. The Firm continues to enhance our diversity initiatives and strives to increase the number of minorities represented in our workforce.
Women’s Initiatives
Kasowitz is devoted to recruiting, mentoring, retaining and promoting female attorneys. The Firm supports our women lawyers in their professional development and fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Kasowitz takes pride in the fact that approximately half of our attorneys are women. The Firm has a distinguished history of promoting female attorneys. Kasowitz is dedicated to women’s initiatives and gender equality in the legal profession and will continue to offer female attorneys various professional and personal opportunities for advancement.
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