FAQ
1. How is your summer program structured?HRO's summer associate program is designed to introduce summer associates to the breadth of the firm's practice. Summer associates are assigned a work coordinator who is responsible for gathering and assigning work projects for the summer associate. In addition, summer associates are assigned an associate contact or mentor. The mentor will introduce the summer associate to other members of the firm and answer any questions they may have. By separating the work coordinator and mentor responsibilities, we provide an environment where the summer associate can be secure in learning about the firm, its culture and practices, without an effect on the work evaluation process. During the course of the summer, a summer associate can expect to participate in numerous training programs, including "How to Balance Life and Work,” "Getting Acquainted" and "What I Wish I had Known as a Summer Associate.” Regular lunches with associates and partners provide a great opportunity to meet others in the firm.
2. How are summer associates assigned work?
Summer associates are assigned a work coordinator who is responsible for gathering and assigning their work projects. The work coordinator's primary job is to ensure a variety of projects for each summer associate and to act as an intermediary between summer associates and associates/partners.
3. Are first year students considered for the summer program?
HRO focuses on hiring second-year students. However, for 2006 and as in the past, we anticipate hiring two first-year summer associates through The James E. Bye Scholarship Program. Students from the University of Colorado School of Law and University of Denver College of Law who are interested in this opportunity should contact their Career Services office.
4. What is HRO's office size?
As of 2/1/2008, we had 139 attorneys in Denver, 46 in Salt Lake City, 17 in Colorado Springs, 19 in San Francisco, 10 in Los Angeles, 7 in Boulder, 10 in Munich, and 2 in London.
5. Is there a mentor program?
Yes. Our mentoring program includes training programs on how to make the most of these relationships. Each new associate is assigned a mentor when he/she begins their employment with the firm.
6. What distinguishes HRO from other large law firms?
HRO has been in existence since 1898. We are a well-respected and stable firm who is committed to our role as one of the dominant firms in the Rocky Mountain region. We demonstrate this by focusing on client relations and community involvement. Not only does the firm support a variety of community events, we encourage each of our attorneys to be active and involved in their communities in those ways best suited to their talents and interests.
7. Describe HRO's compensation system.
Each associate is evaluated and compensated based upon several factors. These include: performance, firm leadership and contributions, economic contributions, development of client relationships, meeting the minimum billable hour expectation and seniority. Graduation year alone is not the principal factor in determining compensation level. We compensate each associate based on his or her contributions to the firm.
8. What kind of training does HRO provide for associates?
HRO has an outstanding, structured training program for all associates. Training opportunities can be found within each practice group and through firm-wide programs which are scheduled throughout the year and of interest to various levels of associates. Formal seminar-style programs are supplemented by on-the-job mentoring and training.