FAQs
General Questions about Firm
Why should I join an IP firm instead of an IP department at a large general practice firm?
IP is all we do. We have a singular focus and all of our professionals are on the same page. The scope, depth, and breadth of our intellectual property expertise sets us apart even from the huge multinational law firms that have built IP departments in recent years. Our size, strength, focus, and national reputation bring industry leaders, renowned universities, and high-profile start-up companies to our door, yet our high-powered practice occurs in an intimate setting where we know and care about one another and achieve an enviable balance between work and home. Our systems and processes are set up for an IP practice, so there’s never any doubt that you will have the support structure you need to get your work done as efficiently and effectively as possible.
How does Wolf Greenfield's single office compete with multi-office law firms?
For more than 80 years, our Boston office has attracted top legal talent and A-list clients from all over the world. A centralized location fosters strong attorney relationships and helpful exchanges of information. When a client’s needs call for international services, we rely on our carefully chosen network of international law firms to provide the specific knowledge and service required.
What is the management structure of the firm?
First, we are a professional corporation, which is why our “partners” are called shareholders. The firm’s Executive Committee (EC) is charged with making policy decisions for the firm. The current EC members are Tim Oyer (President and Managing Partner), shareholders Jim Foster and Randy Pritzker, and Executive Director, Bob Edwards, who is responsible for managing the firm’s daily operations. A team of Directors, reporting to Bob Edwards, manages the firm’s six administrative departments:
- Client Services – Sara Crocker
- Finance – Maureen Rielly-Ross
- Human Resources and Facilities – Sheila Connors LeDuc
- Information Technology – Matt Berg
- Intellectual Property Services – Lisa Fletcher
- Paralegal and Library Services – Kathy Kerr
What is the dress code at Wolf Greenfield?
We are “business casual” every day and those wearing jeans on Fridays make a $1 donation to a firm-sponsored charity. Of course, we expect all employees to dress appropriately when attending court, client or other professional meetings.
When do my benefits become effective?
Each benefit plan has its own schedule of eligibility, but medical and dental insurance are effective for full-time employees on their first day of work. See Benefits and Compensation for more details on benefits.
What kind of social activities can I expect?
We enjoy firm-wide, group-wide, and cross-group social activities, and both planned and impromptu get-togethers. We schedule a firm-wide winter party each year as well as an annual summer outing for employees and their families.
In addition, there are occasional “Wine Downs”, informal late afternoon gatherings in the office to celebrate firm victories, in court as well as on the court. We’ve recently added “Game Night” with tutorials offered for those who need some coaching in the art of poker before joining the game.
Periodically, family members, including children, are invited to the firm where special age-appropriate activities are planned. We would be thrilled to have you join our notorious softball team or our championship basketball team (be sure to ask about the trophy!).
What’s the best way to reach the building?
The firm is located at 600 Atlantic Avenue, directly across the street from South Station. Commuter rail, bus, Silver and Red Line trains arriving at South Station allow for a particularly easy commute, but there is just a short walk involved to reach Blue and Orange line trains. The T’s Green Line is within walking distance, but also accessible via a quick ride on the Red Line. For complete directions, click here.
Where can I park if I want to drive into work?
There is a parking lot directly across the channel that is visible from Summer Street. It is often referred to as the “Necco” lot. Also, there is parking at the Federal Courthouse and at other local lots which offer both daily and monthly parking rates.
Where can I get lunch around here?
The firm provides refrigerators, toasters and microwaves for those who choose to bring lunch from home. The building offers a full cafeteria. In addition, there are many spots in the neighborhood offering a wide range of lunch options.
Questions about Business Professionals
What are my hours?
The firm’s full-time exempt employees are expected to work forty hours weekly. Non-exempt full-time employees work seven hours daily, thirty-five hours each week. The ability to insert some flexibility into each day’s schedule depends primarily on job responsibilities, but many positions do allow earlier or later start times with correspondingly earlier or later end times.
Is there a bonus program?
We offer our non-exempt employees two bonus opportunities. One is merit based and is tied to the annual performance review process in the late spring. The other is tenure based and occurs in the latter half of December. In addition, all our staff members enjoy special recognition from the firm as we mark Administrative Professionals Day each April. Exempt employees are eligible for annual performance based bonus payments which are distributed in December.
Are there opportunities for advancement?
Employees who demonstrate that they have the desire, talent, ability and qualifications to move into other positions at the firm are always encouraged to apply for these vacancies. In addition, every effort is made to establish entry level spots to facilitate this kind of transfer and professional growth for our staff members.
What kind of feedback will I receive?
In addition to ongoing feedback you will receive from those with whom you work, we have a formal annual review process which incorporates detailed, written reviews from those who have supervised your work over the year. More informal reviews with your manager/director will occur regularly. Cash bonus programs exist to reward those whose performance merits such notice.
