Day in the Life of an Associate Attorney: St. Louis, MO
Day in the Life of a Mid-Level Litigation Associate
By William E. Dailey, Jr.
Associate Attorney:
2005-present
Stating the obvious, there is nothing typical about the Associate experience at Husch Blackwell Sanders. Certainly, our approach towards a business casual dress code, water cooler conversations, and co-ed softball teams is shared among other forward-thinking workplaces. However, the uniqueness of Husch Blackwell Sanders' firm personality, enhanced by an evolving and unyielding drive for excellence, makes each day at the firm an adventure unto itself.
Depending on deadlines, my day can start between 7:45 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. As I walk through the halls to my office, I am constantly reminded of the diverse backgrounds of the professionals that surround me. It is not uncommon to find a collage of colorful drawings "for mommy" or "to daddy" decorating office walls along side the multiple degrees, honors, and recognitions received by the talented attorneys in the firm.
Contrary to the stereotypical big firm experience, Husch Blackwell Sanders encourages pro bono service by allowing billable hour credit for approved pro bono work. This means that time I spend working on cases with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, the Children with Disabilities project, or Operation Youthbuild will count towards my billable hour totals. Such matters often provide exceptional opportunities for independent client counseling, motion practice, and even trial. It also fosters the entrepreneurial spirit key to developing future Partners.
The Firm also is committed to diversity. There is regular opportunity for meaningful dialogue, candid feedback, and strategic associate development. Of course, overall career development remains a personal responsibility; hence, those associates who excel in legal research and writing and who aggressively seek out repeat assignments will fair well.
In the final analysis, my day includes activities such as drafting pleadings, internal and external communications with attorneys, clients and the courts, arguing motions, document review, and taking depositions. What sustains my ambition is a contagious thirst for winning and a sincere focus on the principles of our legal system shared by those who work with and around me. This responsibility requires that with each day in the life as an associate, we come prepared to advance the profession by advancing the firm towards its goals.