Quality of Life

Armstrong Teasdale has grown significantly in size since its inception in 1908 but has made a concerted effort to maintain a small firm atmosphere and to foster a work environment which promotes camaraderie, flexibility and a worker-friendly atmosphere. One of the ways in which we accomplish this is to establish a billable hour model that is fair and can be achieved with a reasonable amount of effort. Each individual attorney model is different, allowing for flexibility based upon their involvement in management, service on committees, etc.

Armstrong Teasdale also encourages its attorneys to present papers, author articles, teach and give lectures, and each attorney receives a significant budget for CLE use. CLE hours are recorded so that the time spent is considered in attorney compensation. A number of our attorneys also serve as adjunct professors at various local colleges and universities.

In addition to offering salaries which are comparable to the larger regional firms, Armstrong Teasdale provides a benefits package which is considered more generous than most other firms. Included is a six-figure group term life insurance policy, excellent group medical benefits and long-term disability insurance. Parking is also paid for by the firm. Moreover, participation in the firm's 401(k) plan is encouraged. Additional benefits extended to attorneys sitting for the Bar are: reimbursement not only for the Bar Review course, but also for the Bar exam fee and all reasonable travel, lodging and meals related to the Bar exam.

We believe that quality of life extends to health and fitness as well. Our Human Resources department has actively negotiated with area fitness clubs to offer corporate membership discounts to Armstrong Teasdale employees. In some cases, those clubs have waived entirely their substantial initiation fees as a result. In addition, tickets to area entertainment venues are purchased at group rates for use by attorneys and staff.

Armstrong Teasdale offers training to all attorneys on issues such as time management, ethics, business development and other relevant issues. In addition, we encourage our attorneys to serve as volunteers for charitable organizations and on nonprofit boards, and last year arranged for representatives of the United Way Board Bank to conduct a two-hour training program for attorneys at our offices. We also offer a number of training programs specifically for associates, covering areas from administrative to business development. We strongly believe that ongoing training and mentoring of associates is crucial to their growth both as professionals and individuals. For example, each new associate is assigned a partner mentor and an associate advisor, to whom they can turn when any questions or problems arise. We provide a client and business development training and mentoring program which features six one-hour sessions annually, during which partners provide advice and insight on issues pertaining to client development and service, and marketing and managing a law practice.

We believe that diversity in the workplace enhances the quality of life of our attorneys by offering exposure to foreign cultures, legal systems and philosophies. Armstrong Teasdale's International Department instituted an intern program which has been extremely successful. Interns and attorneys worldwide have participated in this program, heralding from countries such as Argentina, China, India, and Germany. Some of these attorneys have elected to remain at our firm following the completion of their internships.

Over the years, Armstrong Teasdale has encouraged involvement by its attorneys in the community. Our attorneys were instrumental in the formation of a number of worthwhile programs including BAMSL's St. Louis Internship Program; the Women Lawyers' Association Law Student Mentorship Program; and Kids' Chance, Inc., among others. Our attorneys also participate in many other worthwhile causes including BAMSL's Project Angel Tree, various United Way agencies, the Arts & Education Council, and St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts, to name just a few.

Despite our significant growth, Armstrong Teasdale maintains a friendly, informal, relaxed, yet professional atmosphere. And one in which all employees, not just attorneys, benefit. For example, each year we sponsor a chili cook-off and denim dress days, to help raise money for many charitable organizations. The annual Christmas parties for attorneys and staff, the annual golf outing and dinner, and the annual firm picnic attended by attorneys, staff and their families, are all part of our firm culture and affect the quality of the very substantial parts of the lives that our attorneys and staff spend at the workplace.