New and Lateral Associate

About the Role

Arnold & Porter seeks new and lateral associates to join a collaborative, skills-building environment. The program emphasizes professional development, mentorship, and hands-on client work through structured orientation, training, and diverse practice opportunities.

What You'll Do

• Complete New and Lateral Associate Orientation to learn the firm, office, and practice groups.
• Participate in the New and Lateral Associate Lunch Program during your first three months to network with colleagues.
• Engage in Formal Training through the Professional Development Team, Arnold & Porter University, and external programs, including public speaking, client communication, persuasive writing, marketing, and business development.
• Attend Retreats and participate in workshops that develop the skills appropriate to your career stage.
• Contribute to Business Development activities, including drafting client pitches, presenting to clients, and writing articles for industry publications.
• Develop trial advocacy skills via Court Training and gain supervised courtroom experience; participate in the Appellate Program with opportunities to brief and argue.
• Benefit from Career Development coaching and mentoring (peer, partner/counsel, and group mentoring) and participate in affinity groups.
• Take on meaningful Work Assignments from day one, including strategy, drafting agreements and briefs, depositions, disclosures, and client interactions, with coordination from partners and practice managers.
• Participate in the Associate Shadowing Program (up to 100 hours per calendar year) to observe hearings, trials, or client meetings.
• Receive annual Evaluations and attend Career Development Meetings to discuss training, mentoring, and assignments, including growth opportunities for senior associates.
• Engage in Firm Management as an Associate on committees (Hiring, Pro Bono, Ethics and Practice, Well-Being, and Summer Associates) and in the Committee of Associates for enhanced communication.

What We're Looking For

• Recent law school graduates or candidates with public or private sector experience; strong law school performance is a major factor but not the only consideration.
• Evidence of work experience and potential for ongoing professional development at Arnold & Porter.
• A law degree (JD or equivalent) and eligibility to practice, with a demonstrated interest in training, client service, and developing legal and practice skills.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and professional development orientation; the ability to contribute to firm initiatives and client work.

Nice to Have

• Interest in ongoing professional development, mentoring, and participation in business development and related programs.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary and benefits are not disclosed in the posting. The firm offers extensive professional development programs, including in-house training (Arnold & Porter University), retreats, external programs, 1:1 career coaching, mentoring, and opportunities to gain client exposure.