Like Water in the Desert: Firm Lists Five Associate Openings

We keep hearing about firms hunkering down and waiting out the economic maelstrom.

BETWEEN JOBS An occasional look at how there might actually be decent jobs in this crisis economy.

Looks like San Francisco’s Farella Braun & Martel is not one of them. The midsize business and litigation firm is advertising not one, not two, but five associate positions on its Web site. The openings are in various practices, including real estate, which by many accounts is a dead zone these days.

Jennifer Peneyra, Farella’s recruiting and diversity manager, told us one reason for the flurry of hiring is that the 42 associates now at the firm are stretched. But also, Farella Braun is trying to be opportunistic and take advantage of the market. Between five and 15 resumes come in the door every day, she said — and the firm is actually looking at them. A lot of candidates come in through recruiters, but the firm isn’t eager to go that route, especially in a market flooded with talent.

You don't need a dowser in a flood, after the jump.

For the right candidate, she said, the firm would work with a recruiter. “For the most part, given the current economy, we’re a little reluctant to pay premiums for candidates,” she said. “But a lot of candidates we’re interested in are still employed and not looking.”

We caught up with Farella Braun partner Jim Colopy, who chairs the firm’s environmental law department. He’s looking to add one junior associate with a litigation bent. He says the 25-lawyer environmental group (half litigators) is so busy it has outstripped its capabilities. The firm does both defense and plaintiffs’ side environmental litigation. “It doesn’t seem to be drying up anytime soon.”

Who said midsize firms were dead?

— Petra Pasternak

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