Associate Attorneys

Introduction

The attorneys of Capell & Howard are graduates of some of the finest undergraduate, graduate, and law schools in the nation. Capell & Howard attorneys have received law degrees from such law schools as the University of Alabama, the Cumberland School of Law, Emory University, the University of North Carolina,  Syracuse University College of Law, Tulane University, Texas Tech University, the University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, the University of Virginia,  and the Yale Law School. In addition to holding the juris doctorate, almost one-third of the firm's attorneys also have obtained graduate law degrees at schools such as the University of Alabama, George Washington University, New York University, and Northwestern University. Additionally, the firm has more attorneys than any other firm in central Alabama listed in The Best Lawyers in America, a peer-review survey generally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence in the United States.

The Firm has a proud history not only with respect to the lawyers who have devoted substantially all of their legal careers to the Firm, but also former members of the Firm who have served and are now serving the public in other ways. These "alumni" of the Firm and their current positions include: Neal H. Acker, General Counsel of the Alabama Housing Finance Authority; Richard F. Allen, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections; Constance S. Barker, Commissioner - United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; John L. Capell III, Retired Circuit Judge of Montgomery County; and Kenneth D. Wallis, former Chief Legal Advisor to the Governor of Alabama.

Hiring Criteria and Process

The Firm's extensive client base expects and demands well-educated attorneys with exceptional analytical and legal reasoning skills. The Firm typically extends offers to suitable associate attorney candidates upon completion of the firm's summer clerkship program prior to the candidate's third year of law school. The Firm also actively seeks suitable candidates upon completion of a graduate law program and/or a judicial clerkship, with such offers being extended after an extensive interview process at the firm's offices.

In addition to law students and recent graduates, the Firm routinely receives and considers applications from attorneys who have already begun the practice of law at other firms or institutions. The Firm evaluates potential lateral hires in the same manner as it does summer clerks. Accordingly, applicants for an associate position should possess superior intellect, communication skills, and social skills. For lateral hires, exceptional legal experience is also critical.

Work Accommodations and Training

 New associates are provided an office which includes a modern computer network with word processing and full internet access. Associates also have access to secretarial and paralegal services, which they share with no more than one or two other attorneys of the firm.

Capell & Howard prides itself on the extensive training that it provides to new associate attorneys. Rather than giving a project or case to a new associate without direction and/or burying the associate with research projects and no client contact, the Firm provides associates extensive training in order that associates become better, more efficient attorneys. Members of the Firm realize that well trained associates will be more capable of meeting the diverse and complex legal needs of the firm's extensive client base. By fostering the development of essential legal skills early in an associate's career, the Firm seeks to work for the betterment of the associates, the firm's clients, and ultimately the firm itself.

Compensation and Benefits

Salaries are competitive with those of any large law firm in Alabama. In addition to a base salary, the firm offers a "guaranteed" bonus system based upon the number of hours that an associate bills in addition to the minimum number of billable hours expected by the firm. Upon a candidate's acceptance of an offer to become an associate of the firm, the Firm generally provides a generous "signing bonus." In addition, the Firm offers an impressive package of benefits, including:

  • Group Medical Insurance
  • Medical Reimbursement (after one year to cover dental and medical costs not covered by medical insurance)
  • Profit Sharing - 401(k)
  • CLE Allowance ($3,500)
  • Term Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Travel Reimbursement
  • Professional Dues and Licenses
  • Cellular Phone Reimbursement
  • Free Parking

Billable Hours and Shareholder Track

The Firm expects each associate to bill, at a minimum, 1,800 hours per year. Although the firm does not have a fixed "shareholder track," historically, associates have been considered for inclusion as an equity holder in the firm within six years.

Recruiting and Contact Information

Qualified candidates interested in applying for a position as an associate attorney at Capell & Howard are strongly encouraged to send a cover letter and resume to:

Chad W. Bryan
Capell & Howard, P.C.
150 South Perry Street
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
(334) 241-8034  email