Is Your Firm Ready for Your First (or Next) Associate? Four Questions

Summary

The article advises law firm owners to rigorously assess readiness before hiring an associate, outlining four key questions: the strategic purpose of expansion, profitability of the hire, affordable compensation, and whether a full‑time attorney is truly needed. It emphasizes that onboarding can take six months, and provides a financial worksheet to calculate utilization, breakeven hours, and the “rule of thirds” profitability test. The piece also warns of the high cost of a bad hire and suggests alternative staffing models such as part‑time or contract counsel when appropriate.