Biglaw

Am Law 50 Firm Offers Voluntary Deferral To Incoming Associates Until Fall 2021

Will this become a trend among Biglaw firms?

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ROPES & GRAY — MEMO — FIRST-YEAR DEFERRAL PROGRAMS

I think it is safe to say that few—if any—of you expected to start your legal career at a time of such unprecedented uncertainty and turmoil. This year has truly been one like no other, and we certainly would understand if its developments has prompted a temporary rethinking of your professional priorities. Perhaps you are looking for ways to contribute your knowledge, talent and time to public service work in a variety of areas—fighting racial injustice, addressing housing crises and other needs arising out of the COVID pandemic, or supporting political causes important to you, to name just a few. Alternatively, some of you may have been personally affected by the pandemic in ways you did not anticipate, and could benefit from taking some time off before launching your career.

We are pleased to offer two new voluntary programs for the class of 2020: the Ropes & Gray Fellowship Program and the Ropes & Gray Sabbatical Program. Below is some general information about each option and how to apply.

Ropes & Gray Fellowship Program

The Ropes & Gray Fellowship Program will allow participants to work at a nonprofit, public interest organization or at an approved government entity, with a stipend from Ropes & Gray of $80,000 (pre-tax). Participants will join the class of 2021 when those associates start at the firm. It will be your responsibility to secure a position with the organization (your law school should be a helpful resource in identifying organizations in need), and you don’t necessarily have to practice law if the needs of the organization dictate otherwise. If you enroll, you will be eligible for health, dental and vision insurance through Ropes & Gray from October 20, 2020 until your start date with the firm.

Ropes & Gray Sabbatical Program

The Ropes & Gray Sabbatical Program gives you the chance to spend a year as you wish (with the exception of practicing law at a law firm), with a stipend of 20% of your starting base pay, or $38,800 (pre-tax). Participants will join the class of 2021 when those associates start at the firm. You will be eligible for health, dental and vision insurance through Ropes & Gray from October 20, 2020 until your start date with the firm.

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We want to emphasize that both programs are completely voluntary. A number of us have stepped away from Ropes & Gray at various points in our careers and have gone on to have successful careers at the firm. We understand this is a big decision, and we hope you will see it as we do—an opportunity to spend a year pursuing different interests in a way that helps you fulfill whatever goals are most pressing for you in these unparalleled times. And, whether you participate in either of these programs or start on January 20, 2021, you will still receive the $10,000 stipend and remain eligible for the $10,000 loan referenced in my email on July 21.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss these options further, please email [redacted]@ropesgray.com and a member of the legal recruiting team will respond to you. For those on work authorization, please consult with Alison Slater or Stacey Gallotta prior to pursuing a fellowship or sabbatical, as it is possible that your work authorization will restrict participation in these programs. Your decision to take a fellowship or sabbatical will be due by Thursday, October 1.

Staci ZaretskyStaci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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