ASSIGNMENTS
Prior to starting at HSE, new associates are asked to rank their practice group preferences. Upon arrival at the firm, first-year associates enter a practice group that typically matches one of their preferences. Each practice group has its own system for assigning work to associates.
COMPENSATION
Annual compensation consists of a competitive base salary and a bonus based on seniority, billable hours, non-billable contributions and work quality.
BENEFITS
Associates are allotted three weeks’ vacation per year. In addition, associates are provided a full range of benefits, including health, life and long-term disability insurance, an employee-funded dental plan, disability leave and a flexible spending account for health and dependent care expenses. We offer a 401(K) retirement plan and a money purchase pension plan for eligible associates. These plans offer valuable retirement savings opportunities to associates who complete an initial service requirement (generally one year of service for the 401(K) plan and two years of service for the pension plan).
PERFORMANCE REVIEWS
Each associate is reviewed annually based on written performance evaluations prepared by partners in the associate’s practice group. Reviews are conducted by the Unit Managers and members of the firm’s Management Committee.
BILLABLE HOURS
Associates at the firm have an annual standard of 1,800 billable hours on client matters. Approved pro bono projects are given billable credit and are counted toward the billable hour standard.
ALTERNATIVE WORK ARRANGEMENTS
The firm provides for alternative work arrangements, including part-time and flex-time arrangements. Most of the firm’s part-time or flex-time associates previously worked a full-time schedule. Requests by an associate to assume an alternative work arrangement are decided on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the needs of the associate and the practice group. The firm rarely hires new associates for part-time or flex-time positions.
PARTNER TRACK
HSE has a single-tier partnership, and we regularly make new partners from among our associates. There is no rigid timetable for individual partnership decisions, but we make every effort to keep each senior associate apprised of the likely time frame for a partnership decision for that associate.
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