National Jurist - October 2007 - (Page 25) great law firm PHOTO BY MELISSA STOTTLEMEYER What makes a We take a look at Vault.com’s annual quality of life ranking to determine what the very best share in common Paul Cuccurullo joined McKee Nelson’s New York office in 2002 and immediately felt he was making an impact as a structured finance associate. “There is an opportunity to get really good work and be recognized,” he said, noting the firm has an entrepreneurial spirit and handles sophisticated work. “From day one, you feel very comfortable speaking with partners about legal issues in general,” Cuccurullo said. “You can feel very comfortable going into anyone’s office and asking questions. Everybody really has that teacher instinct in them.” As a younger associate, Cuccurullo appreciated the basic practice group training he received from knowledgeable partners who described things in terms the junior attorneys could understand. Just as importantly, he enjoys the informal mentoring. For example, attorneys have been known to draw out deal diagrams and explain transactions to associates, Cuccurullo detailed. Cuccurullo said he is fulfilled not only in the work he performs, but also thanks to the worklife balance. “Associates appreciate having a chance to do good work and at the same time be who they are,” Cuccurullo said. “It makes you a better lawyer, a better person.” McKee Nelson is not just respected by its associates. The firm also was recently ranked number one in Vault.com’s annual Best Law Firms to Work For rating. Every year, Vault.com surveys more than 18,000 associates at major law firms nationwide, asking them about hours, training, associate-partner relations, pro bono work, overall satisfaction and other factors. And every year, the bar has been raised a little higher, as law firms adapt to meet the desires of young attorneys. “The youngest generation of students coming out say they want more work-life balance,” said ? October 2007 THE NATIONAL JURIST 25 http://www.Vault.com http://www.Vault.com
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