The firm annually hires most of its associates through the summer program and from lawyers completing federal judicial clerkships. In fact, 90 percent of our attorneys have clerked. Occasionally, we hire lateral associates who may join at various times during the calendar year. Although we welcome applications from outstanding attorneys at any point during the year, our traditional window for associate hiring begins in the winter and extends through spring for employment commencing in the fall. Our needs tend to be at the junior to middle levels, and rarely at a more senior level due to the firm's relatively short track to partnership.
We believe that when you stretch you grow, but we’re also here to support and direct your path to finding your voice and becoming the best lawyer you can. That support extends to a generous benefits package for all attorneys and one that is tailored to your needs.
Health Coverage
We offer attorneys the choice of multiple coverage levels for medical plans, as well as dental and vision coverage, Health Care and Dependent Care reimbursement accounts, life insurance, disability and accident coverage, and long-term disability coverage. Lawyers’ spouses, domestic partners and children are all eligible for coverage.
Other Perks
In addition to a competitive compensation package that includes an annual bonus and clerkship bonus (if eligible), we provide a 401(k) program, 4 weeks paid vacation per year, and the firm observes 10 paid holidays per year. We cover bar exam fees, pay for bar review courses, offer bar stipends, and reimburse for relocation expenses. We also offer a commuter benefit program to set aside pretax dollars for commuting expenses.
Support for Parents
At Keker, Van Nest & Peters we’re proud of our extended family. All eligible attorneys welcoming a new child are granted 14 weeks paid parental leave. An additional six to eight weeks of paid disability leave is available to parents who give birth. In addition, we offer up to 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave, which includes continuation of benefits. The firm supplements adoption fees, surrogacy expenses, and fertility treatments to all attorneys and/or their partners. All of these policies apply regardless of the attorney’s marital status, gender, or sexual orientation.
Support for Your Loved Ones
Life happens, and sometimes we need unexpected support from additional caregivers. We proudly offer Bright Horizons subsidized back-up childcare (center-based or in-home) for sick or well children as well as elder care. Through Bright Horizons we also offer college admissions coaching and resources for everything from finding nannies to pet sitters to homework help.
Flexibility
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach for helping you to be at your best personally or professionally. We all need time away from work to recharge, take care of personal matters, or spend time with family. For this reason, our attorneys have the flexibility to work remotely when needed, and a number of our partners and associates have flexible work arrangements allowing them to meet their families' specific needs. We have a designated partner who serves as a mentor, resource and ombudsperson for any associate electing a reduced-hour schedule or taking/returning from parental leave.
Healthy Living
Keeping healthy helps bring the rest of your life into balance. We offer an onsite, complementary gym with state of the art equipment, including our new Peloton bike, and a yoga studio. Plus our kitchens are stocked with complementary fruits, veggies, and other assorted snacks. Our attorneys enjoy lunch together twice a week, and we bring in lunch or dinner for any attorneys working through those meals.
Mental Health Assistance
Sometimes we all need a little extra support. The firm offers an employee assistance program that provides completely confidential counseling and a referral service for issues that may affect your personal life or job performance, as well as a confidential attorney mental health benefit for lawyers struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or crisis.
Fall 2024 Employment
We will begin considering applications in February 2024 from federal judicial clerks for fall 2024 associate employment. Lateral candidates are also being considered and are welcome to apply. California bar preferred. Principals only.
Please submit your resume with cover letter, law school transcript, writing sample and list of references to:
Attorney Recruiting
Keker, Van Nest & Peters LLP
633 Battery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111-1809
Telephone: (415) 773-6649
Email: AttorneyRecruiting@keker.com
Non-Discrimination Policy
Keker, Van Nest & Peters is committed to providing all of its employees equal opportunity in any and all employment without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, medical condition, disability, or sexual orientation as required by law.