Why Varnum?

At Varnum, we understand that you are looking for a firm that engages your professional ambitions, complements your character, and reflects your priorities. If the following statements apply to you, Varnum may be the place for your legal career.

You seek a firm that...

• Shares your expectation of excellence.
  You want your firm to provide you with the opportunity to excel as a lawyer. You don't want to do three years of due diligence, and you don't want to be a senior associate before you take a deposition. You want sophisticated legal work and you want to exercise your ambition.

  Varnum maintains and actively cultivates a culture of excellence. Varnum associates can expect to join other attorneys in court hearings, trials, client conferences and depositions until they feel confident in doing it on their own - then having the opportunity to take the lead.

  We have a remarkably low billable hour requirement on the expectation that associates will spend time training and observing our attorneys at work, so they can be ready to step up as soon as possible. First year associates at Varnum have argued in front of the Sixth Circuit, had jury trials, played important roles in complex restructuring negotiations, and taken expert witness depositions.

• Wants you to be successful.
  You don't want your job to be a stepping stone, and you want your firm to feel the same way. Many firms operate on a pyramid structure, hiring countless associates with the expectation that many will leave each year. Competition abounds amongst associates for hours and opportunities at such firms, and lateral moves are routine.

  At Varnum, we hire associates we believe will be Varnum partners, based both on their legal abilities and on our firm's needs. In 2008, our commitment to associates was recognized when Varnum received the "21st Century Innovator of the Year" award by Michigan Lawyers Weekly and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan for outstanding efforts in recruiting and retention. We hire attorneys with the hope that they will remain with Varnum until they retire.

• Reflects your commitment to professional responsibility and community leadership.
  Over the years, the Varnum family has helped shape not only the West Michigan business world and a few skylines, but also our individual communities.

  Varnum attorneys recognize these commitments. Varnum associates can earn up to 50 hours of billable credit for pro bono hours each year. We take our commitment to West Michigan seriously, and seek candidates who share the same dedication to their community.

  Learn more Varnum's Commitment to Community.