06-19-2019, 06:47 AM
Most law firms that are made up of more than one person are set up as a hierarchy with Partners at the top and varying levels of Associate Attorneys below them . Partners are generally the owners of the business and Associates are employees. The Associates are often given the opportunity to work their way up the ladder to become Partners and share in the profits of the firm instead of just receiving wages.
It is important to have a written agreement or contract between the Associates and the Firm that spells out everyone's duties and obligations as well as the conditions under which they may advance. The following is a draft contract between an Associate and a law firm that can be customized to meet the needs of a law firm hiring an Associate Attorney.
This AGREEMENT made of this 21st day of March, 2011, between the Law Offices of at Smith, herein referred to as the "Firm" and Joe Blow, hereinafter referred to as the "Attorney."
Recitals
The Firm is a Sole Proprietorship, operating as a business rendering legal services. If, during the term of this contract, the Firm changes to another form of business organization, this contract will continue to be binding on both the Firm, under it's new formation, and on the Attorney.
The Attorney is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
The Firm and the Attorney desire to have the attorney practice law as an employee of the Firm.
It is agreed by and between the parties as follows:
Section 1. Employment and Duties.
Employment. The Firm employs the Attorney and the Attorney accepts employment as an attorney in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
It is important to have a written agreement or contract between the Associates and the Firm that spells out everyone's duties and obligations as well as the conditions under which they may advance. The following is a draft contract between an Associate and a law firm that can be customized to meet the needs of a law firm hiring an Associate Attorney.
This AGREEMENT made of this 21st day of March, 2011, between the Law Offices of at Smith, herein referred to as the "Firm" and Joe Blow, hereinafter referred to as the "Attorney."
Recitals
The Firm is a Sole Proprietorship, operating as a business rendering legal services. If, during the term of this contract, the Firm changes to another form of business organization, this contract will continue to be binding on both the Firm, under it's new formation, and on the Attorney.
The Attorney is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
The Firm and the Attorney desire to have the attorney practice law as an employee of the Firm.
It is agreed by and between the parties as follows:
Section 1. Employment and Duties.
Employment. The Firm employs the Attorney and the Attorney accepts employment as an attorney in accordance with the terms of this Agreement