Recruiting
An Emphasis on Service
At Carver Darden, we take pride in our reputation for providing prompt, high quality, cost-effective legal services, coupled with innovative solutions to our clients’ business and litigation needs. This reputation is owed to our tradition of hiring outstanding attorneys who demonstrate an ability to create solutions when others can only see problems and our firm’s philosophy that developing strong, lasting client relationships is the key to life-long career success and satisfaction.
Why Carver Darden?
Our ability to handle highly sophisticated and complex matters for larger companies together with our smaller firm structure allows us to offer you, if you become one of our associates, the best of both worlds: small firm feel and experience with large firm benefits and compensation. Additionally, our broad spectrum of practice allows you to develop your unique talents and put them to work in the field of law you enjoy. Whether your interests lie in litigation or transactional work, our wide range of practice areas will allow you to find your niche.
What to Expect From Our Clerkship Program
We want associates who can “hit the ground running.” Accordingly, your clerkship at Carver Darden will offer you real projects with real deadlines to help us develop your skills and evaluate your abilities. In furtherance of this goal, you will receive a mentor to offer you guidance throughout your clerkship. Additionally, you will be given many opportunities such as lunches and other social outings to allow you to get to know our attorneys outside of the working environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whom should I contact to ask additional questions or to apply for a clerkship or associate position?
All requests for interviews along with current resume, law school transcripts and writing samples should be forwarded to the hiring attorney, Brandon T. Darden, 601 Poydras Street, Suite 1900, New Orleans, LA 70130.
What is the compensation for summer clerks?
Compensation is adjusted annually and is competitive with the larger firms in the New Orleans and Pensacola areas, respectively.
As a clerk, will I have the opportunity to participate in out-of-office activities?
Yes. We encourage our clerks to accompany us when we have a scheduled deposition, hearing, trial or closing.
May I split my summer?
Yes. Splitting summers is encouraged, but we ask our clerks to dedicate at least six weeks to Carver Darden.
Will I receive feedback on my projects?
Definitely. We will always try to give you oral or written feedback on your work product. This helps to develop your skills and helps us to evaluate your progress.
What should I wear?
Our dress code ranges between business and business casual. We observe casual Fridays.
Do you hire in sections?
Generally not. Associates usually work with all of the partners in their practice section, as well as in other sections as necessary.
What is your partnership track?
Our partnership track is approximately 6-7 years.
Do associates have opportunities to receive bonuses?
Absolutely. In addition to our base salary, Carver Darden has mid-year and year-end bonus incentive packages based on performance. Additionally, associates earn incentives for generating new clients.
Do you have a billable hour requirement?
Carver Darden has an established hourly goal for associates of 1,800 billable hours.
Will I have a mentor?
Yes, you will have an associate and partner mentor who will guide you through the clerkship program and ensure you are meeting everyone in the office and working with different partners on matters that interest you.
How is work assigned?
Partners give work directly to available clerks and associates in coordination with your mentor and the summer program director. We find that this creates flexibility and allows you to seek out the type of assignments that interest you.