FAQs

We seek talented and motivated individuals who share our well-known commitment to excellence. We assess candidates for associate positions based on an overall evaluation of their background and strengths. This evaluation includes, but is by no means limited to, academic distinction in law school and undergraduate education. We also look for lawyers with strong motivation and initiative, the ability to take on responsibility, and enthusiasm for private law practice. The firm has long been committed to the highest standards of the profession and public service, and we look actively for new lawyers to continue in that tradition.

We seek outstanding candidates from all parts of the country as associates. In addition to interviewing students at law schools throughout the United States for associate positions, the firm also considers applications from third-year students and graduates of other law schools, judicial clerks, and lateral candidates. Applicants are requested to provide a current resume, law school transcript, legal writing sample, and lists of references (including faculty and past legal employers).

Our goal in speaking with an applicant's references is to develop a more complete and detailed understanding of the candidate's qualifications. Thorough inquiries of an applicant’s references are a distinctive and crucial element of the firm's hiring process for potential associates and summer associates. This allows us to look beyond the candidate's paper record or relatively brief interview. We ask every candidate to provide two to three references who can speak to the candidate's qualifications, including analytical and writing ability, judgment, maturity, and collegiality.

For a candidate who has worked in a legal position previously (including during a summer, externship, or clerkship), we ask to speak with a lawyer or judge who is familiar with the candidate's legal work. And although by no means required, we also typically look for a reference who can speak about the candidate's performance in law school. A prospective applicant should not be dissuaded from applying to the firm for this reason, and we frequently rely on references from non-legal employers, faculty, and other sources.

The starting salary for first-year associates in the U.S. offices is $225,000.

As a member of the National Association for Law Placement, Covington completes a NALP form for each of its U.S. offices. The NALP form summarizes certain information and data about the office, attorneys, practices and summer associate program.

For information on each U.S. office, please refer to the NALP forms below.

• Boston NALP Form
• Los Angeles NALP Form
• New York NALP Form
• Palo Alto NALP Form
• San Francisco NALP Form
• Washington NALP Form