Lateral Associates
Perkins Coie understands your career is about choices, not trade-offs.
Our people are the reason that Perkins Coie has been named one of the country’s Best Companies to Work For” by Fortune for more than two decades. Our practices and our commitment to career growth and learning, outstanding client service, and pro bono and community opportunities create an environment where lawyers can develop and pursue their own definitions of success.
We prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion across the firm. We know that by building a workplace that reflects our clients and our own communities, we continue to build a stronger practice and provide the very best service to our clients.
What Our People Say
"I chose to be a part of Perkins Coie largely due to the culture. I was lucky in that a trusted friend happens to be a Perkins Coie alum. He described the firm as a place where the people are caring and the firm management works diligently to be transparent, fair, and team-oriented. Since joining Perkins Coie, I’ve found my friend’s description of this firm to be very accurate."
- Han Saem (Sam) Hong, Patent Prosecution & Portfolio Counseling, Seattle
*Sam is a now a partner at Perkins Coie as of January 1, 2023.
“For laterals lawyers considering a move, Perkins Coie is an incomparable place to develop their practice. Partners and senior lawyers prioritized time to talk through assignments and strategies with me and helped me reach the level of work product required in my new discipline.”
- Alina Litoshyk, Technology Transactions & Privacy, San Diego
"I joined Perkins Coie for two primary reasons: its clients and its people. In my first few months at the firm, I have worked on cutting-edge privacy issues for some of the world’s most innovative companies. Along the way, I have worked with colleagues who are not just high-quality attorneys, but also thoughtful, high-quality people."
- Justin Potesta, Privacy & Data Security, Dallas
Top Ranked Law Firm in Vault
Perkins Coie has been listed in the Vault Top 100 for 15 consecutive years, moving up again this year. Read our Vault profile here.
Resource: How to Make a Strategic Lateral Move, With Perkins Coie
Lateral lawyers and Mike Gotham were quoted in “How to Make a Strategic Lateral Move, With Perkins Coie,” an article in Chambers Associate, regarding why and how lawyers choose Perkins Coie.
Professional Development & Training
Our training program supports new attorneys in transitioning from law school to private practice and offers all attorneys continuous development in legal and business skills. New attorneys benefit from both general and specialized training relevant to their practice areas.
Additionally, involvement in firm management is primarily facilitated through committee participation.
"Building Bridges," our mentoring program for new associates, aims to enhance professional development and foster stronger connections within the firm.
Advancement & Promotion
Perkins Coie is proud and supportive of the long tenure of many of our professionals.
Benefits and Well-Being
Wellness and Health
A holistic approach to well-being in law practice and life
- Employee assistance program—including mental health concierge and therapy services
- Free access to mindfulness and meditation app
- Health advocate services
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Peloton app membership
- Weekly meditation sessions
- Well-Being Program—a program that raises awareness about mental health and encourages action to protect and care for individuals’ well-being
*Benefits and well-being offerings may differ based on office location.
Vacation and Time Off
Rejuvenating and recharging
- Bereavement leave
- Jury duty leave
- Leaves of absence
- Paid holidays
- Unlimited paid time off
*Benefits and well-being offerings may differ based on office location.
Family Care Benefit
Providing support for the needs of your family
- Adoption assistance
- Back-up care (for children or adults)
- Basic and supplemental life insurance
- Elder care services
- Fertility coverage assistance
- Long-term care insurance
- Long-term disability
- Paid leave for new parents
- Personal accident insurance and business travel accident insurance
- Pet insurance
*Benefits and well-being offerings may differ based on office location.
Hybrid Work Model
Focusing on a successful work/life balance
- $500 home equipment reimbursement
- Internet allowance
- Mobile phone reimbursement
*Benefits and well-being offerings may differ based on office location.
Community Involvement
Providing opportunities to contribute to our internal and external communities
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- Employee referral program
- Firm social events
- Nonprofit involvement programs
- Pro bono opportunities
*Benefits and well-being offerings may differ based on office location.
Financial Well-Being
Resources provided for you and your family
- 401(k)
- Financial consultation from Perkins Coie Trust Company
- Firm contribution to Health Saving Account (for individuals enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan)
- Healthcare, dependent care, and transportation flexible spending accounts
- Student loan refinancing programs
*Benefits and well-being offerings may differ based on office location.
Search firms are required to have a current placement agreement on file to submit candidates for consideration. For associate, counsel, and patent agent candidates, search firms must utilize the Perkins Coie website portal to submit candidate materials to a job posting link. Please note that not all positions are open to search firm submissions. Positions not authorized for submissions from search firms are advertised as “principals only.”
Recruiting Contacts
Austin
Anna Friesenhahn she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, AFriesenhahn@perkinscoie.com
Boise
William French he/him/his
Legal Recruiting Manager, WFrench@perkinscoie.com
Chicago
Anna Friesenhahn she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, AFriesenhahn@perkinscoie.com
Dallas
Anna Friesenhahn she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, AFriesenhahn@perkinscoie.com
Los Angeles
Jean Hadley she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, JHadley@perkinscoie.com
Madison
Anna Friesenhahn she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, AFriesenhahn@perkinscoie.com
New York
Sarah Hayden she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, SHayden@perkinscoie.com
Palo Alto
Deidre Sparks she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, DSparks@perkinscoie.com
Phoenix
Michelle Morris she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Administrator, MichelleMorris@perkinscoie.com
Portland
Deidre Sparks she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, DSparks@perkinscoie.com
San Diego
Jean Hadley she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, JHadley@perkinscoie.com
San Francisco
William French he/him/his
Legal Recruiting Manager, WFrench@perkinscoie.com
Seattle
Cinnamon Baker she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, CABaker@perkinscoie.com
Washington, D.C.
Sarah Hayden she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, SHayden@perkinscoie.com
Diversity is a long-standing core value and one of the firm’s strategic goals.
Embracing diversity allows us to draw from varied perspectives and communities, enabling us to attract the very best talent to our ranks, and in turn provide excellent service to our clients.
Our commitment to community spans more than a century.
We have a long history of giving back and helping those in need, building a more inclusive society, and providing equal access to justice. Our pro bono efforts drive tangible outcomes that make a real difference.