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 are the criteria for partnership?

We evaluate associates under consideration for partnership on their own unique merits, and based on their total contribution to the firm. Billable hours are a factor, but only one of many, including non-billable contributions to the firm such as mentoring of younger lawyers. You will receive a formal list of criteria, and we regularly offer feedback on whether you’re “on track.” If any issues arise, we'll let you know what specific areas need improvement.

What is the ratio of associates to shareholders?

Grouped together, the associates and tech specs have a roughly 2/1 ratio to shareholders. We don’t have a specific target for this ratio, but are careful to ensure that all of our people get the right on-the-job training by working closely with shareholders. We will also see that you work with as many shareholders as possible during your years as an associate so that, as a group, they are familiar with you and your work when considering you for partnership.

Do I need a science or engineering degree to work at Wolf Greenfield?

As a member of one of our patent groups, you will need at least an undergraduate degree in science or engineering. As a member of either our Litigation or Trademark Groups, however, no such restriction applies.

Do Associates and Technology Specialists serve on firm committees?

Absolutely. We value the input of our associates and tech specs and include them on nearly all firm committees, including Hiring, Training, Technology, and Client Services Committees. In addition, we have an Associates Committee which serves as a liaison between the associates/tech specs and firm management.

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 Associates/Laterals

What kind of work will I initially receive?

Initial assignments will vary depending on your practice focus and experience level, but all share two common goals: to provide you with enjoyable, challenging work, and to further your training. We’ll start by assigning you a variety of projects with different supervisors. From there, we’ll map out a personalized plan to expand and sharpen your skills.

Depending on your practice area, early assignments will teach you skills such as:

  • Interviewing inventors;
  • Advising clients on patentability and trademark availability;
  • Preparing and prosecuting patents, copyrights, and trademarks;
  • Writing briefs;
  • Presenting arguments in court and at the Patent Office;
  • Conducting due diligence;
  • Negotiating licenses; and
  • Preparing legal opinions.

How much control will I have over my mix of work?

You’ll become a member of a primary practice group that matches your legal and technical interests and feeds you a steady diet of diverse, challenging, and meaningful work. You’ll meet regularly with the mentor from your practice group to review your workload and target upcoming projects. Most associates also have one or more “secondary” practice group affiliations, which adds to their knowledge in other technical disciplines.

How can I keep my industry knowledge sharp?

Our attorneys stay on top of industry trends and developments by reading trade publications, attending industry seminars, and staying in touch with our clients (often daily), to find out what’s happening in their world in real time.

How much client contact will I have?

You will be face to face with clients almost immediately. Learning how to deal directly with inventors, senior management, venture capitalists, and opposing counsel is an integral part of your training. We supervise and shepherd you through the initial client contact, then gradually step back and watch you grow as you work.

What kind of hours are expected?

We expect associates to contribute the same number of hours as shareholders: 1,800 billable hours and 200-300 non-billable hours (which may include training, client development and management, continuing legal education, recruiting, meetings, and firm-sponsored activities). While you may occasionally work on an evening or weekend, that’s not the norm and certainly not the goal.

Will I ever see my family again?

Putting family first is one of our core values. You will have the flexibility to schedule when you start and end your day to make sure that you are home at the right times. If you walk around the office at dinnertime you’ll see very few attorneys still at their desks. We’ve all heard stories of attorneys in other firms eating dinner at the office, and that’s just not who we are. While many law firms have increased their billable hour requirements in recent years, we haven’t budged from ours.

As a first year associate, can I participate in pro bono activities?

We encourage all our professionals to participate in the firm’s pro bono program.

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 associate review process which incorporates detailed reviews from all the shareholders who have worked with you over the year. More informal reviews with your practice group leader will occur semi-annually.

Do you interview candidates from law schools other than those at which you recruit?

Yes. If you fall into this category, please contact Jo Parente, our Legal Hiring Manager.

What is the interview process and when will I hear back?

You can expect an initial meeting or telephone conversation. The second interview is usually at least half a day. You will be greeted by our Legal Hiring Manager, Jo Parente, and then meet with members of our Hiring Committee as well as others from the practice group with whom you are interviewing, based on your background. To learn more, please go to our How to Join Us page and listen to our Hiring Partner, John Van Amsterdam, talk about our hiring philosophy.