Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell (WTO) is Denver’s largest civil litigation boutique, but the firm enjoys national reach and recognition. WTO represents sophisticated clients nationwide in high-stakes civil trials, appeals, and arbitrations. The firm maintains a deep bench of battle-tested trial lawyers and offers unique opportunities to younger attorneys for stand-up experience. We pride ourselves on promoting associate talent through speaking opportunities (whether in court or a deposition), direct client engagement, and significant responsibility and autonomy. Over the last year, 81% of WTO associates played active speaking roles in court, 83% took or defended depositions, 78% served as the primary lawyer on at least one matter, and 92% served as the lead communicator with at least one client. WTO also prioritizes pro bono engagements; 90% of our associates worked on a pro bono matter over the last year.
WTO is soliciting associate applications from lawyers clerking in state or federal court. Nearly 60% of our lawyers clerked before joining the firm, and we offer competitive bonuses for qualifying clerkships.
Our associates contribute to teams supporting clients nationwide. Ideal candidates are self-starters, entrepreneurial, passionate about client service and trial work, and have a track record of academic success and excellence.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Research & Writing: Perform efficient and dependable research; develop reliable opinions, conclusions, and recommendations and communicate those with clarity and brevity; draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and all kinds of discovery materials.
- Case Management: Manage a diverse litigation caseload, including discovery, depositions, expert work-up, mediations, and court appearances; communicate with team members, clients, co-counsel, and opposing counsel; and assist with trial preparation, as needed.
- Teamwork & Strategy: Work closely with partners and peers on litigation and trial strategies, including how best to approach complex issues or difficult problems, and then execute those collaboratively developed strategies.
- Training: Participate in regularly scheduled associate training, one-on-one sessions to develop and improve writing skills, and topical presentations on cutting-edge developments in the practice of law.
REQUIREMENTS
- Juris Doctor degree with at least one year of judicial clerkship experience; previous experience as a law firm associate is preferred.
- Admitted to practice law or has a path to admission in Colorado.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including a keen ability to interact with a broad range of staff and stakeholders.
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment; work under pressure and complete job assignments accurately and timely; and respond appropriately to shifting demands.
- Employ initiative and sound judgment to produce outstanding results.
- Work independently, but be able to escalate and communicate complex issues promptly and effectively.
- There are no specific billable-hour requirements. Hours worked are dictated by the firm’s volume of work, our ethical obligations to our clients, and our personal and collective determination to produce the finest legal work in the country.
COMPENSATION
Associate salaries start at $210,000 (with annual adjustments made on January 1). Actual compensation will depend upon several factors, including but not limited to years of experience, qualifications, and skillset. Candidates from qualifying clerkships are eligible for competitive hiring bonuses, and all associates are eligible for year-end merit bonuses. The firm also offers a full suite of premium benefits, including generous parental leave policy for eligible employees.
Requested Documents Note
For your writing sample submission, we prefer a sample that (1) is an advocacy piece, (2) has not been materially edited by others, (3) is 8-15 pages in length, and (4) was recently drafted (ideally in the last year). Please include a summary page with your sample that gives the reader context and any necessary definitions. We understand that current law clerks may not have a writing sample that fits this criteria. We are happy to review an order or opinion that law clerks drafted during their clerkship, so long as the piece is primarily your work product and your judge permits you to use it.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. The firm’s policy is to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion are driving forces in the success of our firm and help our trial teams deliver superior client service informed by diverse viewpoints. We give equal opportunity to all qualified applicants, and we always use job-related factors to make selection decisions.
Note: Wheeler Trigg O'Donnell is unable at this time to consider applications from candidates who are not authorized to work in the U.S. or who require sponsorship for an employment visa (e.g., H-1B Visa) now or in the future.
__
Note: Lateral Hub does not accept applications submitted by search firms.
