Associate Programs at Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP

We at Buckingham are interested in providing a rewarding experience to our associates and summer associates and, while the programs are basically research oriented, we also provide opportunities for our associates to interact with clients, attend depositions, pre-trials, trials, and Board of Directors' meetings--in other words, to do what lawyers do.

Associate Development
Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP offers to new associates many advantages. We are large enough to provide attorneys with opportunities to practice in many areas of law and yet small enough to maintain a warm, friendly atmosphere. We practice an "open door" policy in which more experienced attorneys are available to talk with new associates about any concern. The environment fosters freedom to walk into another attorney's office with a question, assured that he or she will be cordially received. Senior attorneys are described by younger associates as "receptive, attentive, and responsive."

We encourage specialization at Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP and have experts in each of the areas of law we practice who train new associates in developing specific expertise. A new associate is assigned to a particular department and works closely with the more experienced associates and shareholders in that department. The amount of responsibility given to a new associate depends on his or her ability to assume that responsibility. New associates often find themselves handling a case from beginning to end, calling upon the other attorneys when necessary. We look to our associates to make substantial contributions to our practice of law very early in their careers, and we encourage their involvement with our many and varied clientele. The Firm has recently added attorneys who devote their priorities to patent and copyright law. For the future, we are considering other new areas like international law, computer law, franchise law, and sports and entertainment law.

We encourage a team approach in order to provide the very best legal representation for our clients. From labor matters to tax issues, to corporate questions, to trust and estate planning, our attorneys solicit from fellow members of the Firm the latest legal advice. Service, not competition, is the byword.

Associates are hired with the expectation that each will be eligible for election as shareholder after no less than eight years of service. Through training programs, mentoring activities and formal associate evaluation and feedback sessions, the Firm commits time and resources to the development and advancement of associates. Associates are assigned supervising attorneys who take a special interest in the associate's progress.

New associates tell us that they chose Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP for several reasons: the quality of legal work produced, the personalities of the attorneys in the Firm, compatibility, ethical standards, and support for the team. We encourage you to give Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP serious consideration.

2008 Associates' Salary and Benefits
The following salary and benefits are offered to law students who graduate in the spring of 2008:

Starting salary per office assignment

• Akron and Canton, Ohio $80,000
  
• Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio $82,500
  
• Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, Florida $90,000
  

• Stipend of $2,500 upon proof of graduation from law school
• Bar review course fees and bar examination fee paid. The Firm does not reimburse for expenses associated with travel, lodging, and meals while taking the bar examination.
• Professional activities dues

Continuing Legal Education expenses
Expenses in connection with attendance at CLE seminars are paid in full, subject to approval by the Practice Group Leader and the Chair of the Evaluation and Development Committee for Associates.

Business development expenses
The Firm will reimburse up to the specified amount for all associates and of counsels based upon years of experience practicing law. Years of experience are calculated based upon bar admission date. The amounts are as follows: new attorney to two years - $500; three to four years - $1,000; five to six years - $1,500; seven or more years - $2,000.

Downtown eating club memberships
Initiation fee and membership dues in a local private eating club are provided for two years with two or more years of experience in the practice of law. This benefit is applicable to associates and of counsel attorneys in office locations where eating clubs are present in the community.

Insurance and related benefits
Eligibility for participation in the Firm's medical and prescription health insurance, dental insurance, life, long-term disability and long-term care insurance benefits is dependent upon working a minimum of 80% of a full time work schedule (minimum of 30 hours per week). Other benefits provided include leave of absence benefits, vacation and participation in flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses. Confidential professional counseling services are available to attorneys and family members through the Employee Assistance Program. The Firm provides professional liability insurance.

Retirement and deferred savings plans
After completion of eligibility requirements, associates and of counsel attorneys are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Payroll Deduction Savings Plan. The Firm will match 25% per dollar of your contribution up to 6% of salary. The Firm will also make an annual contribution to the Defined Contribution Pension Plan on your behalf equal to 6.5% of your annual salary up to but not in excess of the current Social Security Integration Level; and 12.2% of your annual salary in excess of the current Social Security Integration Level.

Paid parking
Expenses associated with parking are paid in all offices.