Bart Keyes The Ohio State University Law School class of 2008; member of the 2007 clerk class

Recruiting season can be difficult. If you’re considering clerking for a law firm, you’ll probably be comparing several firms against each other. After all the receptions, the fancy meals, the talk about high salaries, and the seemingly endless number of people telling you how special you are, you’ll have a decision to make. I can’t stress enough how important it is that, during the exciting (and flattering) recruiting process, you never lose sight of your personality, goals, and values. I chose Bricker & Eckler because it is compatible with those three things.

Bricker fits my personality because of its relaxed, personable atmosphere. I feel just as comfortable approaching a seasoned partner as I do a first-year associate. After attending a few department meetings, it was clear that the firm values everyone’s input, be they a partner, associate, or staff member. No one says “that’s not my job,” and everyone is committed to working as a team to help the firm, and its individuals, succeed.

Bricker fits my goals because of how it integrates clerks and associates into the firm’s structure. There is no competitive “weeding out” process among clerks or associates. If you’re skilled and willing to work hard, you can advance as far as you desire. The firm provides all the support you need to succeed, and there is no strict hierarchy among associates. If you demonstrate the ability to handle greater responsibility and more complex projects, you will get them. From the day you join the firm, the resources are there to allow you to grow as much as you want.

Bricker fits my values because it is not a law firm that demands attorneys devote their lives to their work and nothing else. As I started to meet the partners and associates, it amazed me how many of them are committed to leading balanced lives. Devoting time to family or other commitments is the norm, not the exception. It is refreshing to work hard all day on a motion or deal for an attorney, and then to spend the evening with that attorney and his or her family at a soccer game or movie. Working with exceptional attorneys who are both excited about their jobs and highly satisfied with their lifestyles is a great experience that few law firms can offer.

On a related note, it would be a huge mistake to overlook the benefits of practicing and living in Columbus. Columbus offers things that other major cities cannot, such as affordable neighborhoods and short commutes. It is a great place where you can raise a family, but still enjoy all the benefits of a major metropolitan area. Furthermore, unlike many other cities, Columbus is growing. It’s relatively young, and young professionals have countless opportunities to get involved in community activities and help shape the direction of the city. Bricker and Eckler is a well-established key figure in the Columbus legal community. It’s an outstanding law firm in a growing city where young lawyers can easily find their place.

Of course, Bricker & Eckler is not for everyone. If you want the largest paycheck possible and don’t care how many hours you work, how boring your work is, or how poorly you know your coworkers, Bricker may not be the best law firm for you. If, however, you want to experience a life outside of work, enjoy the company of your colleagues, and get rewarded for doing top quality legal work, please consider Bricker & Eckler.