Associates

Barack Ferrazzano staffs its associate team through our summer associate program and lateral hiring.

Our firm is loosely structured into transactional and litigation areas. The litigation team engages in a wide range of commercial litigation, while our transactional lawyers practice in one or more areas.

Incoming associates are asked to express a preference between litigation and transactional law and can specify one or more transactional areas of concentration, although initial choices are not etched in stone. New transactional lawyers often work across multiple areas as they broaden their knowledge and determine the area in which they will ultimately specialize. A number of our partners, however, continue with multidisciplinary practices. It is not unusual, therefore, for associates to work across what other firms consider substantive boundaries. Lateral associates are more likely to be hired in a specific practice area, but may also have opportunities to broaden their practice into other areas.

Training and Review

Because we invest in our associates for the long term, we have a strong incentive to train and guide associates to be of maximum utility to our clients, providing them with substantive responsibility very early in their careers. We also encourage associates to attend relevant seminars and events that further their professional development.

In terms of performance review, Barack Ferrazzano promotes a working environment in which associates are informally reviewed on every assignment they perform. On a formal basis, our Associate and Paralegal Review Committee reviews each associate's performance on an annual basis.

Competitive Compensation and Bonuses

To ensure our ability to attract top legal talent, we pay salaries that are competitive with other top tier Chicago firms. Associates also have the opportunity to earn bonuses based on their contribution to the firm's productivity.

Billable Hours

We do not enforce mandatory annual billable hour targets, although billable hours do play a role in partnership and bonus decisions. Attorneys and staff alike are expected to work hard and make a meaningful contribution to the firm.

Firm Benefits

The competitive employment benefits package at Barack Ferrazzano matches or exceeds those of many major law firms. In addition, since our founding in 1984, the Firm has employed a casual-all-the-time dress policy.

To Contact Us

If you are interested in an associate position at Barack Ferrazzano, please send your resume and law school transcript to:

Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP
ATTN: Associate Careers
200 West Madison Suite 3900
Chicago, Illinois 60606
careers@bfkn.com

Open Positions

Mid- to Senior-Level Real Estate Associate (Chicago, IL)
Our Real Estate Group is looking for a mid- to senior-level associate (income partner level candidates will be considered as well) with at least 5 years of experience in sophisticated commercial real estate transactions, including real estate developments, joint ventures, financing, leasing, and other areas. The ideal candidate will have excellent academic credentials and true in-depth real estate experience – different from corporate deal support. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to careers@bfkn.com.

Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP is an equal employment opportunity employer.