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Beltway and beyond Founded in Washington in 1942, Arent Fox Kintner Plotkin & Kahn can boast of regulatory and government expertise that runs deep. When Queen Noor (widow of Jordan's King Hussein) came to Capitol Hill to address Congress on the subject of land mines, Arent Fox coordinated the visit. When the state of Nebraska needed advice on the legal implications of withdrawing from a multi-state compact on nuclear waste disposal, it turned to Arent Fox for help. The firm, however, isn't just about life inside the Beltway. Arent Fox has built a full-service practice around the core of its traditional strengths in tax, real estate, and regulatory work. It has also expanded geographically, opening offices in New York (1991), Budapest (1991), Bucharest (1998), and Riyadh. Vintage 1999 1999 will be remembered as a banner year in Arent Fox history. In June 1999, the firm announced that the previous year's revenues had grown by twelve percent (from $82 million to $92 million), with notable contributions from the firm's IP, health care, bond, and real estate practices. Nor was growth limited to Washington, DC. In September 1999, Arent Fox's New York office received a boost when the firm lured away the co-chair and three other attorneys from Battle Fowler's real estate department. (The New York Law Journal reported that the sudden loss prompted Battle Fowler to hold a meeting to assure attorneys that everything was "okay.") Despite Arent Fox's success, the firm's managing partner, Christopher "Kit" Smith, remains geared for growth. In comments to The Legal Times in June 1999, Smith revealed that expanding the firm's reach was one of his "highest personal priorities," and indicated that California was a likely candidate for a new office. No shortage of government expertise As suggested above, Arent Fox has plenty of government experience to draw on. Among the partnership ranks, the firm counts a former U.S. Senator, a former congressman (Nebraska's Peter Hoagland), and a former Maryland United States Attorney. Arent Fox breaks down its "Federal Practice" into the following areas: Advertising and Trade Regulation; Antitrust and Trade Regulation; Communications; E-Commerce; Environmental; Food & Drug; Government Contracts; Intellectual Property; and Motor Vehicle Safety Law. In July 1999, the firm's capabilities grew even more with the addition of six new "attorneys and non-lawyer professionals," including four ex-staffers. Although Arent Fox's name appears regularly in the Legal Times' "Lobby Log," the firm doesn't just put its lobbying capabilities to the service of powerful special interest groups. For example, Arent Fox has worked on behalf of the Landmine Survivor's Network (LSN), an organization devoted to providing victims of antipersonnel mines with medical care, support, and employment. As noted, the firm organized the visit of Queen Noor, LSN's honorary chair, to Capitol Hill in October 1999. Noor addressed members of Congress at a luncheon, and paid visits to congressional leaders.
Arentfox.com Arent Fox's Web site, www.arentfox.com, provides ample hiring information, particularly regarding summers, firm management, pro bono, and benefits. Though it does not post its recruiting schedule, the firm does list job openings, and insiders point out that the firm gets "a lot of resumes directly." Qualifications "In evaluating candidates for employment as associates at Arent Fox," firm literature states, "we consider a strong law school and undergraduate record as the most significant criteria for determining intellectual capabilities. Impressions gained from personal interviews, work experience, writing samples, and professional recommendations are considered carefully in evaluating an individual's character, judgment, and potential." Insiders confirm that Arent Fox looks for "people at the upper end of class rank," along with journal experience and other signs of writing and research skills. "That being said," one insider notes, "they're not afraid to look outside the box - they understand the value of having been in the workplace, and welcome people who have had prior careers."
Laid-back Arent Fox Arent Fox may take on some high-powered matters, but, according to our contacts, that doesn't necessarily mean a high-stress atmosphere. "Put it this way," says a junior associate in Washington, "although 'casual Friday' is the policy, many partners engage in 'casual every day.'" Indeed, to describe their firm, associates resort frequently to terms such as "casual," "informal," "laid-back" and "liberal." "Informal and friendly," says a third-year attorney in DC, who adds that "a good sense of humor is always appreciated." "Very relaxed," says a more senior attorney in Washington, noting a "laid-back, congenial environment." Even in stressed-out New York, a contact labels the firm "liberal and collegial." That contact explains: "Associates are expected to be ambitious and hardworking, but there is some balance, and the firm is not a sweatshop." Solid training Judging by the comments of our insiders, Arent Fox associates don't want for training. A contact gives a rundown of some of the formal opportunities: "Especially in the firm's first-year 'colloquium' program, we receive training on everything from legal writing to negotiation skills to how to work effectively with administrative staff. We have in-house CLE and courses for senior associates such as advanced legal writing." Informal training might be harder to come by. In the words of one Washington insider: "Some partners don't have time or the desire to train young associates, but many partners and senior associates are willing to do this." Note that associates also indicate that the firm encourages associates to publish, and "opportunities to have direct contact with clients and to take depositions and appear in court at hearings" are many. Retention: Low scores Arent Fox bucks industry trends in many categories, but retention doesn't seem to be one of them. Associates, especially in New York, give the firm its lowest score here. "There has been significant numbers of departures from the New York office since I came," says one contact, adding: "Some were asked to leave, others questioned the viability of the New York office." Another New York insider gives the firm a low score, but notes that "people rarely leave simply to go to another firm, because it is a great place to practice."
Colleen O'Hara Attorney Recruitment & Development Manager Arent Fox Kintner Plotkin & Kahn, PLLC1 1050 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20036-5339 (202) 857-6395 More Company Profiles For more career information, go to Vault.com ©2000, Vault.com Inc
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