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Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Top credentials are must-haves to get hired at AZA, but interest in becoming a trial lawyer is equally important. Associates say that AZA attorneys can be intense, but office culture is friendly and informal. Socializing is common both inside and outside the office, and many associates say their colleagues at the firm feel like family members. Partners assign responsibility early and freely but stay very engaged with associates, focusing on getting the job done well, not on hierarchy—informal training and mentorship are seen as integral parts of the firm’s culture. Associates have significant autonomy, and even junior associates can expect to take depositions and argue in court. Management is relatively opaque regarding firm finances and performance. The hours can be long, but associates expect this because of the firm’s level of engagement in many trials and say the exciting and meaningful work makes the long hours tolerable. Compensation matches BigLaw market, and although bonuses are tied to the 2,100-hour billable requirement, associates say that they have no trouble meeting this target. Formal wellness initiatives include gym access, and informally, associates feel that “the firm has your back.”. The firm prefers associates be in office, but technology is available for off-site work when necessary. Associates see a solid path to non-equity partnership, and counsel is a viable long-term option.

AZA

1221 McKinney
Suite 2500
Houston, TX 77010
Phone: (713) 655-1101

Firm Stats

Chair: John Zavitsanos
Founders & Managing Partners: Joseph Y. Ahmad, John Zavitsanos
Hiring Partner: John Zavitsanos
Total No. Attorneys (2024):
50 - 100
No. of Partners Named 2023:
6
Billable-Hour Requirement:
2,100

Base Salary

1st year: $225,000
2nd year: $235,000
3rd year: $260,000
4th year: $310,000
5th year: $365,000
6th year: $390,000
7th year: $420,000
Summer Associate: $225,000

Employment Contact

Kingsley Smith
Director of Marketing and Recruiting
713-600-4976
ksmith@azalaw.com
General recruiting email:
recruiting@azalaw.com

No. of U.S. Offices: 1

No. of International Offices: 0

Major Office Locations

Houston, TX

Major Departments

Appellate
Commercial Litigation
Company Investigations, Trade Secrets, & Covenants Not to Compete
Construction & Real Estate
Executive Employment Litigation
Health Care
Intellectual Property
Oil & Gas/Energy
Patents
*See firm website for complete list of practice areas and industries.