Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP recruits individuals whose legal skills are matched or exceeded by their ambition, hard work, and determination to obtain results for firm clients. These guidelines apply to all hiring decisions — especially laterals, new associates, and law clerks — and are critical in offering partnership. Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP was recognized by the San Diego Union-Tribune as one of the Top Workplaces in 2020 and 2017, and by the San Diego Business Journal as one of the Best Places To Work in 2019 and 2018.
AVAILABLE POSITION: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/COPY CENTER
San Diego based law firm – with 30 attorneys and growing – seeks someone who can wear many hats to join our team. This is a great entry-level opportunity for the right candidate, with excellent growth potential and a caring team of people to work with. We are seeking an individual with long-term, career-minded aspirations to work 40 hours per week, in person, in the office (not a remote position).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Copying, printing, scanning, binding, putting together binders, slip sheets, etc. as assigned
- Processing outgoing mail, scanning, copies, certified mail, postage
- Ordering office and kitchen supplies and stocking all cabinets
- Maintaining and stocking equipment, kitchen, and office in a neat and orderly fashion
- Processing outgoing bills on Bill Friday (once a month)
- Covering reception as needed – every lunch and any Reception absence (1st backup)
- Covering for and overflow AA/Filing Department duties (1st backup)
- Setting up for meetings, events, and take down/clean up of same
- Small portion of event planning
- Other general administrative tasks will be assigned as needed
QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous legal experience and/or paralegal certificate preferred, but not mandatory
- Friendly, professional personality
- Skilled proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Excellent oral and written communication
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Must be a quick learner and detail oriented
- Able to prioritize, ask questions, follow directions, and exercise good judgment
- Able to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Able to work independently, but also team oriented
- Must be able to process a high volume of work and lift 20 pounds
Personality-Wise, We’re Looking for:
- Someone who has no problem picking up the phone and talking to strangers or helping attorneys and co-workers with projects at the drop of a hat. Confidence in your abilities needs to shine through, without being cocky.
- An “If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find out” personality. You can’t be afraid to ask questions, and you have to take the initiative to find the right person to ask.
- A love of schedules, i.e., you make and manage your own tasks and need to do things without having to be reminded before deadlines.
- Someone who will take ownership of and accountability for tasks they are responsible for. If you make a mistake, let us know so we can help you fix it.
- Teamwork is a priority, as you will be working closely with legal secretaries and other office assistants in cross-training and support. We are looking for someone courteous, trustworthy, and a team player to fill the role.
Pay Range: $20-$25 per hour DOE
THIS IS NOT A REMOTE OR VIRTUAL POSITION. CANDIDATE MUST BE ABLE TO WORK FULL-TIME IN OUR SAN DIEGO UTC OFFICE.
If you want to be part of this growing, family-friendly firm, please submit your resume and cover letter to Linda E. Quindt, CLM, Administrator at ydhvaqg@sgoynj.pbz.
AVAILABLE POSITION FOR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
San Diego based, Chambers-listed, AV-rated, Construction and Business Law firm with emphasis in public works construction is hiring:
CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION ATTORNEY (2-8 years experience)
Construction is an ever-present industry, and our clients have consistently placed their trust in us throughout every phase. We invite you to join our team of attorneys representing construction clients in all facets of their businesses. From bid protests, claim preparation and presentation, and negotiations, to mediations, litigation, and appeals, we provide comprehensive litigation representation to the construction industry. The firm is ranked a Top-50 construction practice in the United States with the privilege of representing some of the largest contractors in the country and is ranked by Chambers USA for its construction practice.
Applicants should have a strong academic background, ambition, and attention to detail. Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP’s attorneys come from diverse backgrounds with common threads of academic excellence and unique character. The firm fosters a team environment where the strength of the firm prevails over its individuals. However, associates are given responsibilities and are compensated commensurate with their individual demonstrated drive and abilities.
Associates receive a base salary and benefits package. Base Salary Range: $150,000 to $250,000 — dependent on class year and applicable experience
Associates are expected to independently analyze and recommend practical, cost-efficient legal solutions. Guidance is readily available and provided by partners and senior associates so as to ensure that new associates develop into goal-oriented problem solvers who earn clients’ confidence.
Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP hires motivated, energetic team players, who work well in the office as a team member.
If you want to be part of this growing, family-friendly firm, please submit your resume, transcript, and cover letter to Linda E. Quindt, CLM, Administrator at ydhvaqg@sgoynj.pbz.
ABOUT THE FIRM
Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP employs a hard working team of individuals and we strive to help them love their jobs. We foster a collaborative environment where secretaries and attorneys all work together to provide the best service to our clients and produce quality work product. The firm offers competitive pay and a benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, and life insurance (100% PAID for the employee)
- 401(k) and Profit Sharing Plan
- Sick and vacation days
- PAID parking
- First-class office complex with free use of on-site gym and more
- Stocked refreshments including coffee and teas, and a latté and cappuccino machine
- MCLE classes to attorneys and staff
- Firm-hosted social events outside the office such as family picnics, staff appreciation and team building events, holiday parties, bar passage happy hours, etc.
Partnership is subjectively determined by the existing firm partners based on the criteria below:
- Has a high degree of technical ability and regularly demonstrates the ability to achieve a high quality work product and result for clients.
- Has good judgment and is able to exercise it under pressure.
- Able to impress and handle a range of clients.
- Clearly demonstrates the ability to attract and hold clients for the firm by virtue of professional performance and personal qualities, including revenue generation and success of efforts.
- Demonstrates a willingness to contribute in time and effort to the sound administration of the firm and the firm’s non-fee work and other projects.
- Is a person of good character, integrity and honesty, upon whom, and upon whose word, one can rely.
- Relates well to the firm’s other lawyers and staff members.
- Supervises and leads subordinates, including significant delegation of profitable work.
- Contributes affirmatively to the economic success of the firm, including consistent performance at or above acceptable levels of revenues and collection.
- Makes intellectual/technical contributions used by others in the firm.
- Transfers skills to other firm professionals via mentoring and teaching.
- Makes methodology improvements used by others in the firm.
- Increases market awareness of their practice and the firm.
- Successfully cross-sells colleagues to clients.
- Strengthens, not just maintains, existing client relationships.
- Solicits new kinds of work that give others the opportunity to learn new skills.
- Makes themselves more valuable in the marketplace by continuously acquiring new skills and knowledge.
- Specializes in an area of specific need to the firm.
- Active/leader in community, professional, and/or bar association activities.
- Says yes and gets it done.
- Builds rapport with clients and fosters every relationship.
- Exceeds the minimum in hours and collections.
- Loyal to the firm and its staff, attorneys, partners, and clients.
Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP’s attorneys come from diverse backgrounds with common threads of academic excellence and desire to achieve client results. The firm fosters a team environment where the strength of the firm prevails over its individuals. However, associates are given responsibilities and are compensated commensurate with their individual demonstrated drive and abilities. Associates receive a base salary and benefits package which are competitive in the San Diego market.
Associates are expected to independently analyze and recommend practical and cost efficient legal solutions. Guidance is readily available and provided by partners and senior associates, but associates are expected to develop into goal oriented problem solvers who earn clients’ confidence. Complete responsibility for a matter is given to associates if they have proven themselves to the firm and, more importantly, to clients.
Finch, Thornton & Baird values the many contributions made by our staff and recognizes these team members as integral to the firm’s success. The firm offers a positive work environment with opportunity to grow through mentoring and development. Several administrative and legal staff members have been with the firm for a decade or more, including some that have advanced into different positions over the years.
The firm provides state-of-the-art technology, training, and other resources necessary to ensure delivery of the best and most efficient service possible. A collaborative environment is central to our belief that we perform best when we perform as One Team. Staff members contribute regularly to the continual improvement of firm processes and actively participate in many policy decisions.
The firm offers full-time employees a highly competitive benefits package including:
- Medical and dental insurance
- Life, workers compensation, and state disability insurance
- 401(k) and profit sharing plans
- Paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays
- Casual days
- Free parking
- A wellness program that features healthy fruits, snacks, beverages, and 24/7 use of the building fitness center and gym
Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP was recognized as a 2017 Top Workplace in San Diego by The San Diego Union-Tribune.
The firm’s law clerk/summer associate program is its primary source of new associates. Law clerks are generally hired in the fall of each year for the upcoming summer. Positions are also available part-time during the academic year. Law clerks are given substantial opportunities to participate in trial preparation, strategy and briefing, transactional matters from inception through closing, and appellate briefing.
The firm pays a bar stipend to summer associates accepting offers to join the firm upon graduation. The firm regularly hires at least two attorneys per year, so the summer program is an excellent opportunity to be considered for a post-bar career. Sixteen of the firm’s lawyers are graduates of these programs.
Linda E. Quindt, CLM, Administrator
Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP
4747 Executive Drive, Suite 700
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 737-3094
