Talent Approach

Our approach to hiring associates is to collaborate with them on projects, help them grow their client base and ask they contribute their expertise and insight wherever possible. We believe our associates will become our partners and share our commitment to doing the best work for our clients.

Client Base

Our clients are the companies, school districts, colleges and universities and cities that are vital to the health, interest and growth of their communities. We also represent the people in these organizations in many of their personal affairs – helping them meet the goals they have for their work, their families and their legacy.

Community Partnerships

We know pro bono work strengthens our community and helps those who are underrepresented but deserving of exceptional legal representation. We have a robust pro bono program to assist individuals in need. As individuals, many of us volunteer and serve on boards for local nonprofits, schools, religious organizations and other organizations.

Benefits

Our first-year associates have a starting salary competitive with the top Iowa law firms. The firm also provides the following benefits package:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Matching and profit-sharing contributions to 401(k) plan
• Cafeteria Plan offering opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars for health, dependent care and adoptions expenses
• Parental Leave
• Technology Allowance

Associates

Partner Track
Consideration for partnership starts at five and a half years. Our goal is to hire associates who become partners who, through their work and career longevity, continue the reputation of providing exceptional value to our clients. It is common for associates who start at Lane & Waterman to complete their careers here 35 years later.

Hours
The billable hour requirement is 1,700 for the first year, 1,800 for second and third year, and 1,900 for fourth and fifth year.

Work
Hands-on experience early in your career at Lane & Waterman is a cornerstone of the associate experience. We offer our associates work and experience in almost every area of the law. Our approach to associate development begins with the idea that exposing associates to a variety of work assignments helps them determine their areas of interest and practice focus. Initial assignments include research and writing projects, drafting briefs, client communication and conferences, negotiations, court appearances, discovery and depositions, and real estate and transactional closings. Our associates who want trial experience are exposed to the courtroom at an early point in their careers.

Training
The firm provides 100 hours of creditable time for training in addition to billable hour requirements. All new associates learn various practice areas through working closely with partners, allowing them to decide their focus area as they develop their skills. Associates are also trained through firm meetings, orientation sessions, and attendance at local and state CLEs. We also train emphasize learning business development skills, and host quarterly “lunch and learn” meetings to provide opportunities to learn and discuss business development activities. Associates are also coached one-on-one on business development planning.