Attorneys

Attorney Training & Career Development 
Mentor Program
Business Development Roundtables
Reviews
Compensation & Benefits

Our culture is epitomized by our team approach that puts clients' needs first. As a result, we place a very high priority on attracting and retaining high quality, enthusiastic individuals for our client service and support teams. We are interested in people who share our commitment to service excellence and who value relationships with co-workers, clients, family and friends.

In considering attorney candidates, we look for a strong academic record, leadership, high standards of ethical conduct and performance, problem-solving skills, entrepreneurial spirit, vision, intelligence, client focus and ability to work as part of a team.

When we asked our associates what they most liked about GH&R, the responses included:

  • Lack of hierarchy/stratification between partners and associates 
  • Open, friendly, casual and supportive environment 
  • Camaraderie between people
  • Teamwork approach 
  • Caliber of Work  
  • Level of responsibility 
  • Autonomy

Attorney Training & Career Development
Our people are our greatest asset. To better serve our clients, we are committed to fully developing our attorneys by providing them with the tools to grow and thrive.  We strive to provide each new attorney who joins our firm with the support to develop and advance to partner, if desired.

Attorney professional development is a combination of substantive, business development and skills training, mentoring, and feedback on the job and during reviews.  We offer approximately 35 in-house training programs a year in addition to continuing legal education (CLE) programs.  Our "Partnership Journey" series for newer associates helps them to learn the basics of our firm structure, our contribution factors and criteria for addition to the partnership.  We also have a series designed by and for associates who have four or more years of credit towards partnership. 

Each attorney is expected to take personal responsibility for their own development by actively seeking out and participating in programs that further individual goals and needs. Development begins on the first day with a comprehensive orientation program and an assigned mentor and continues throughout your career at Graydon Head & Ritchey.

Mentor Program
Mentors play an important role in an associate's development.  Our associates have an assigned "formal" mentor, as well as several informal mentors. Mentors can assist in advising on career strategy, firm culture, and personal and professional goal-setting.  They are also there simply to lend an ear. 

Reviews
Reviews are an important part of an associate's development as an attorney. We view the evaluation process as an opportunity to determine where associates are now and where they need to be as their practice grows. This is a two-way process that includes developing and reviewing each associate's personal/professional goals. New associates are evaluated twice a year for two years and annually thereafter.

Partnership track is generally 8-10 years. Partnership is based on a variety of factors, not simply on number of years of practice. Attorneys are individually reviewed and selected based on their own merits.

Compensation & Benefits
New associates receive a base salary plus parking. Associate compensation is competitive with other mid-to-large size firms in the Cincinnati metropolitan area and is based on merit. Bonuses are also awarded based on merit.  New associates joining the firm directly from law school receive a stipend the summer before they begin. Stipends are paid following graduation from law school. For more information on starting salary and stipends, please go to our NALP form.

Benefits include:

  • Cafeteria plan with firm contribution sufficient to pay 100% of medical/dental insurance premiums
  • Additional pre-tax contributions eligible for child care and medical reimbursement
  • Life/Long Term Care
  • Disability and malpractice insurance
  • 401(k) plan with firm matching contribution
  • Paid parental leave
  • Supreme Court registration fees and CLE fees
  • Client entertainment expense account
  • Three weeks vacation
  • Free parking ($2,500 value)

Click here for more information on career opportunities with Graydon Head & Ritchey.