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The firm adds new members directly out of law school, from judicial clerkships and laterally from other public and private institutions. At Crary Huff, each new associate is employed with the goal that he or she will demonstrate the qualities required to become a shareholder in the firm.

When initially joining the firm, an associate is assigned to a practice area, but is encouraged to be exposed to work from other firm practice areas. The selection of the particular section in which an associate will practice is based on the associate's expressed interests and the firm's needs. One shareholder, a management committee member, serves as a coordinator for all associates. That shareholder is available to consult with associates concerning any aspect of their relationship with the firm and serves to enhance communication between the associates as a group and the owners. Every associate is also assigned a mentor in his or her practice area.

Crary Huff encourages direct contact between the firm's clients and new associates. Associates can assume responsibility for the legal matters they are handling as early as ability and experience permit. Crary Huff believes that attorneys at every level of the firm must develop good working relationships with existing clients and attract new clients.

Throughout the year, associates receive feedback on specific projects. In addition, the firm has a formal evaluation system whereby associates contributions and development are reviewed annually. All associates are evaluated by all shareholders, with more detailed information coming from those shareholders having significant contact with the associate during the year. After the results of those evaluations are discussed with the associates individually, the results are then shared in summary form with the owners as a whole. His or her mentor communicates results of the evaluations to an associate. The evaluation process is designed to open and encourage communication between the associate and the shareholders and to encourage professional growth and development for each associate.

The firm anticipates that associates establishing a mutually rewarding relationship with the firm will be first considered to become a shareholder at year-end following the fifth anniversary of association with the firm. The owners make decisions regarding becoming a shareholder as a whole.

© 2000 - 2004 Crary, Huff, Inkster, Sheehan, Ringgenberg, Hartnett & Storm, P.C., All Rights Reserved