Laterals

What We Look For | What We Offer | Attorney Training | Available Attorney Positions | Contacts

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

Phelps Dunbar prides itself on the legal abilities and personal qualities of our attorneys who practice at the firm. As attorneys progress throughout their career, we recognize the importance of maintaining our standards of excellence through mentoring, training and team building.  The firm looks to hire bright, energetic, motivated attorneys with excellent academic credentials, legal abilities and skills.

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WHAT WE OFFER

Associate salaries at Phelps Dunbar are commensurate with other firms in our region. In addition to competitive base salaries, the firm has a bonus program that affords associates the opportunity to earn up to an additional 20% of salary twice annually. Participation in the firm's 401(k) deferred compensation program is offered to associates on the first of the month after their start date. The firm provides medical insurance; health insurance for family members is available at the associate's expense and is partially subsidized by the firm. In addition, the firm provides life insurance, long-term disability insurance, business-travel-accident insurance, an employee assistance program, and paid vacation. The firm pays license fees, bar association dues, bar review and examination fees, and provides an allowance for approved moving expenses.
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ATTORNEY TRAINING

Phelps Dunbar encourages all attorneys to participate in the firm's internal training program. Training topics can range from professionalism in the workplace to oral advocacy and writing skills. These training sessions are typically conducted by the most seasoned partners at the firm, as well as outside experts. They are designed to fuel the interests and enhance the skills of our attorneys. The firm provides an allowance for approved attendance at Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars on an annual basis. Attorneys can attend programs in their areas of specialization in an effort to further develop their skills.

In addition, the firm offers Westlegaledcenter.com, an internal web-based training service offered by Westlaw® . This service allows attorneys to participate in CLE programs on-line from their desktops, and acquire CLE accreditation for their participation in these programs.

Offers for employment are extended by practice groups depending upon a candidate's interests and the firm's needs. Within each practice group, new associates can expect to work with one or two partners and with other associates. The primary assignment to a particular practice group is to ensure that associates receive proper training, guidance, and advice in their specific legal field. Associates will, however, have opportunities to work with attorneys from different groups handling cases or transactions that cross our organizational lines. New associates are encouraged to quickly assume responsibility on assigned transactions and cases. To promote professional advancement, associates are encouraged to attend, at the firm's expense, selected seminars in their individual practice area. In addition, the firm offers an extensive in-house training program specific to particular practice areas.

Associates at Phelps Dunbar are provided opportunities, training and mentorship throughout their careers to allow them full success as an attorney. Associates receive formal, annual evaluations advising them of their progress based upon comments from partners with whom an associate has worked. Associates are currently hired on a minimum of a seven-year track to partnership; some credit may be given for judicial clerkships and other legal experience. The firm also offers non-traditional attorney positions, such as counsel and staff attorney. Additional information about these positions is available upon request.
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AVAILABLE ATTORNEY POSITIONS

The firm is interested in hiring attorneys for the following practice groups. Excellent academic credentials are required (top 25%). Moot Court and Law Review preferred. These positions offer competitive salary and benefits and a collegial team-oriented work environment. Phelps Dunbar is a participant in the Federal E-Verify Program. Please apply on-line here.

LOUISIANA
Environmental
A lateral attorney for the firm’s Baton Rouge office with 5+ years of experience with environmental regulatory matters. This position will be involved in routine interaction with environmental protection agencies within several regions and states, toxic tort litigation and regulatory compliance.  

To apply online for one of our available attorney positions, please click here.
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CONTACTS 

Tory George Nieset
Director, Legal Personnel & Recruiting
Phone: (504) 566-1311
tory.nieset@phelps.com

Rachel Woolridge
Coordinator, Legal Personnel & Recruiting
Phone: (504) 584-9373
rachel.woolridge@phelps.com

To apply for entry-level and lateral attorney opportunities and summer associate opportunities, please submit your on-line application here.
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