 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Early Responsibility
At Porter Scott, we recognize that taking on responsibility is an important part of an attorney’s professional development. From the earliest days at the firm, associates are given opportunities to work directly with clients on challenging and complex projects. In addition, new associates typically have immediate opportunities to take and defend depositions, attend court hearings and argue motions. As a result, our attorneys enjoy a unique opportunity to have early hands on real world experiences. Under the guidance of senior lawyers, associates develop skills working on matters that require creative thinking and innovative solutions.
Mentoring
We believe that an associate's success will be enhanced by their interactions with other attorneys at the firm. Associates at Porter Scott work with a group of dedicated and talented professionals who are committed to supporting the growth and advancement of new attorneys through training programs, formal and informal mentoring and through outside professional development opportunities.
We recognize that the first years of practice can be challenging and full of new experiences. To ease in that transition, upon joining the firm, each new associate is paired with a more senior attorney who is formally charged with the responsibility of providing mentorship and professional development guidance. Monthly lunches among the mentors and new associates are encouraged so that new associates have the opportunity to have open discussions with a more senior attorney. The mentor program also provides an opportunity for new attorneys to receive advice and gain a perspective of the firm from someone who does not directly supervise their work.
Trial Skills
Porter Scott holds the unique position of being the only major firm in the region to focus on litigation. This affords associates a better than average opportunity to attend and conduct depositions, court hearings, arbitrations, mediations, argue motions and even trial. In addition, the large number of trials and arbitrations the firm handles means that associates are immersed in trial preparation very early in their careers. The firm encourages attorneys to obtain as much courtroom experience as possible. The number of trials and appeals handled by the firm provides significantly more opportunities to do so than at other firms.
Training
At Porter Scott, we pick up where law school leaves off. In addition to numerous in-house MCLE training programs, Porter Scott provides its new associates with an inclusive training program in the areas of professionalism, work organization, time keeping, working with staff, policies and procedures, ethics, professional responsibility, firm economics, depositions, discovery, law and motions and marketing. Associates also receive one-on-one mentoring from senior attorneys to allow for constructive criticism and tips in utilizing effective strategies to achieve success. We also sponsor participation in legal, business and civic organizations outside of the firm so associates can build important relationships within the community.
Evaluations
Associates are evaluated annually on February 1 and are considered for a merit-based salary increase at that time. All partners with whom the associate works participate in the evaluation process. In addition, annually on October 1 of the third year an associate has been with the firm, he/she is eligible for a discretionary merit-based bonus. All bonuses and merit salary increases are determined by a variety of factors, including work ethic, work product, effectiveness of marketing efforts and overall legal ability.
Diversity
Porter Scott acknowledges that diversity stimulates innovative and original thinking as well boosts morale and productivity, thus advancing the success of both the firm and its clients. We work hard to attract, retain, and promote individuals of exceptional ability without regard to gender, race, ethnicity, religion or personal backgrounds. In addition, we take pride in the fact that our attorneys have lived and worked in many different countries and cultures, and encompass an assortment of career experiences.
Porter Scott is committed to building a firm that reflects the diversity of our community. We are a founding member of the Sacramento County Bar Association’s Diversity Hiring and Retention Committee and participate, each summer, in the Sacramento County Bar Association’s Diversity Fellowship Program. Porter Scott is also proud to be an original signatory to Sacramento’s No Glass Ceiling Initiative.
Pro Bono & Community Involvement
Our firm is committed to giving back to the community where we work and live. We strongly encourage our attorneys and staff to participate in pro bono activities and volunteer services. The following is a sample of the programs Porter Scott supports:
- American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
- Barrister’s Club, Sacramento Valley Chapter
- Bi-monthly jean Fridays to benefit various regional and national charities
- Center for Youth Citizenship
- Lecturing at University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and University of California at Davis, King Hall School of Law
- McGeorge School of Law’s Chapter of Crime Victim’s Legal Rights Clinic
- Operation Protect and Defend
- Pro Bono representation of the elderly in various legal disputes
- Pro Bono advice & counsel to Westlake Charter School
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northern California
- Settlement Conference Judge Pro Tem programs in several northern California counties
- The Anthony M. Kennedy American Inn of Court
