Shartsis Friese LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Shartsis Friese LLP is a Bay Area firm that focuses on hiring laterals and impressive candidates from T14 and regional schools. Candidates should be able to fit with friendly and collegial coworkers. Associates appreciate feeling that the firm is fully transparent and that the partners value them. The billable hours requirement is 1,850, with an additional 150 hours required for business development activities. Although salaries are below BigLaw market, the bonus structure brings the base up to market when associates bill 1,950 hours, and additional bonuses are available for associates who bill more. The hybrid model allows attorneys to take the time needed to attend personal matters. The technology is adequate for a midsize firm, with no complaints from those surveyed. The work is substantive, with associates able to take challenges as they are able. One hundred fifty hours of pro bono work qualify as billable. Although the firm does not invest heavily in formal training, associates report helpful informal training, mentoring, and on-the-job learning. The firm hires with the intent for associates to make partner, and the requirement to build a book of business for partnership is clear from the outset. Exit opportunities include lateraling to other firms or going in-house or to the government.