Because we consider our most direct competition for recent law graduates to be firms located in larger cities, the Firm is committed to paying newer attorneys and summer associates salaries and benefits competitive with those found in larger firms in Minneapolis, Kansas City and St. Louis. While our attorneys also enjoy a substantial cost of living benefit from living and working in the Des Moines metropolitan area, we believe our associates should not be compensated differently from their peers in those larger markets. At present, the salary for first-year associates is $160,000.
As part of the Firm's benefits package, we offer free underground parking, full medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with an employer contribution, reimbursement for bar exam and bar review course expenses, reimbursement for continuing legal education courses, the option to work part-time, vacation time, dependent care flexible spending accounts and health care flexible spending accounts.