FAQs
How many hours is an associate expected to bill?
The Firm’s target annual billable hours for associates is 1,800, with up to 30 hours of pro bono or firm committee work counting towards the billable hour total. At GableGotwals, we understand that, especially for new associates, it may be difficult to meet a defined minimum billable hour requirement. For example, the Firm understands associates are not necessarily in control of their dockets or workload and, therefore, may, on occasion, trend below or above the annual billable hour target. So, when evaluating performance, our Firm places significant value on an associate’s ability to produce high-quality work product and to provide exceptional service to our clients and fellow team members. The practice of law requires material time to substantively analyze, plan, guide, and deliver the best possible results for our clients’ complex legal needs. We believe the annual billable target provides a life balance for our associates. To help our associates enter into and navigate private practice, the Firm’s Professional Development Committee works in conjunction with the associates’ mentors to adjust workflow, identify areas of growth, and balance opportunities inside and outside of the Firm.
Does the Firm encourage pro bono activities?
At GableGotwals we believe that everyone should have access to legal representation, which is why we take on a number of pro bono cases each year. Not only does taking on such cases benefit the public, but it also aids in the development of our attorneys’ skills and sense of professional and public service. In addition to taking on a number of individual cases, our firm recently partnered with Catholic Charities, the YWCA, and local law firms to provide pro bono legal services to evacuees applying for an Adjustment of Status after relocating to Tulsa from Afghanistan. Many of our attorneys are also involved in CASA of Oklahoma and Tulsa Attorneys for Children. Each year GableGotwals and its attorneys (through personal donations) contribute to Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, making the Firm one of the leading donor to the organization year after year. In addition, attorneys give of their time to assist Legal Aid clients on a pro bono basis.
What are the benefits currently available to a new associate?
Our attorneys and professional staff are our most valuable assets. GableGotwals recognizes the challenge of balancing our careers with our home and families, therefore, we continually strive to offer our attorneys a comprehensive plan of benefits. Among other benefits, we currently provide individual and family medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts for health care and child care costs, life and disability insurance, as well as an employer-funded 401(k) profit sharing plan.
The Firm pays registration fees and dues for bar and professional associations, as well as continuing legal education costs and other professional development expenses. We reimburse new associates for bar review tuition and registration fees for bar examination and admission in Oklahoma.
Does the Firm permit flexible work arrangements?
We currently have shareholders and associates who utilize a modified work schedule to permit additional time with families. Firm leadership encourages work-life balance for all attorneys, as we want healthy, happy attorneys and professional staff.
Am I assigned to a practice area?
Although we do have practice groups, our Firm is organized along two functional lines – litigation and transactional work. Within these two areas, some attorneys have a more specific practice area, while others are more generalists. Associates are encouraged to choose between litigation and transactional practice upon starting employment with the Firm. However, no choice is ever final and, in the event a new associate wants to try the other area, that opportunity exists.
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