Associate Life

With over 50 lawyers, Johnston Barton is not as large as some of the other firms in Alabama, or the southeast. But, we like it that way. We only want to be as large as we have to be to challenge our lawyers, and to provide our clients with exceptional service. When joining Johnston Barton you immediately become a member of a team of lawyers who are highly demanding individualists, but also share common values of integrity, excellence, and professionalism in providing legal services to clients.

We pride ourselves in allowing our associates to take on as much responsibility as quickly as they are ready to do so. Immediate client contact is encouraged as is the development of an ability to work independently on matters of substantial responsibility. Members of the firm are always willing to take the time to share our experience in structuring complex transactions and solving complicated matters with our associates, allowing our associates to understand the entire matter, not just a piece of the puzzle.

By the second year, many associates narrow their focus to one or two practice areas, and at the end of the second year, most associates select a practice area in which to specialize. Once an associate has selected a practice area, work is assigned through the appropriate practice group. While there is no formal procedure for work assignments, practice group chairs will assist associates looking for additional work.

We will do everything possible to ensure that you have the opportunity to succeed and develop a rewarding, exciting career. Because we are invested in the long-term success of each lawyer, we are committed to providing the training, mentoring and early responsibility necessary for an associate to enjoy a stimulating, challenging, and educational experience.

Joining us as Associates in fall 2007:

Anita Kay Head, Alabama 2006
Monica T. Nelson, Cumberland School of Law, 2007

Associate Development & Training

Johnston Barton’s Lawyer Development Committee focuses on the quality of associate life and the associate experience, particularly in areas of training, career advancement, compensation, evaluation, diversity and associate retention. The Committee Chair serves as a troubleshooter to assist associates with individual concerns and works closely with firm members and management.

Associates at Johnston Barton are hired with every expectation that they have the ability to become a partner in the firm. Associates who become partners are typically expected to do so in 6 ½ years.