Compensation and Benefits

Richards, Layton & Finger provides a compensation package that matches or exceeds those of much larger firms in much larger cities. The firm compensates associates with a combination of salary, bonuses, 401(k) and profit-sharing plans, noncontributory health and life insurance, and many other benefits. The salaries of our associates are highly competitive, even with those salaries paid in larger cities, because of the difference in the cost of living. The starting salary for first-year associates is $145,000.

The following benefits are currently available to Richards Layton associates:

Medical Coverage. The firm offers medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSDE) for the employee and his/her dependents. These plans have no waiting period, and the firm pays all premiums (not only for you, but for your dependents as well) without requiring contribution from you.

Medical Disability Coverage. The firm offers short-term medical disability coverage for up to 180 days. The firm pays full salary during short-term medical disability with a doctor’s certification. After 180 days on short-term disability, the firm offers long-term disability coverage for partial and full disabilities. The benefits paid are 60% of gross monthly earnings. These plans have no waiting period, except a 12-month waiting period from date of hire related to pre-existing conditions. The firm pays all premiums without requiring contribution from you.

Parental Leave.  The firm offers female associates up to six weeks paid parental leave beyond the period of disability following the birth of her child, up to the remaining portion of the 12-week FMLA leave. The firm offers male associates up to six weeks paid parental leave of the eligible FMLA leave following the birth of his child. Any associate may take up to six weeks paid parental leave of the eligible FMLA leave following the placement with such associate of a child through adoption or foster care.

Domestic Partner Coverage. Domestic partners and children of domestic partners are eligible for group health and dental benefits. 

Voluntary Dental Plan. The firm offers a voluntary dental plan in which you are eligible to enroll during the first of the month of employment and then once yearly during an open enrollment period. This plan requires an employee contribution.

Life Insurance. The firm offers associates life insurance coverage equal to five times their annual salary. There is also Business Travel and Accident Insurance. There is no waiting period, and the firm pays all premiums without requiring contribution from you.

Retirement Plans. The firm offers participation in retirement plans, including a profit-sharing plan with a 401(k) option.  Each plan contains a provision for an employer contribution, and, in addition to the firm’s contribution, you may make pre-tax contributions to the 401(k) plan if you desire.

Vacation. The firm offers each associate four weeks of paid vacation per year.

Professional Associations. The firm pays annual membership dues, plus one section fee, for the American Bar Association and the Delaware State Bar Association.

Continuing Legal Education. The firm encourages and pays for attendance at approved continuing legal education seminars.

Qualified Transportation Benefit Plan. The firm offers a plan that provides pre-tax payment for expenses incurred for parking or transit passes. Enrollment is once yearly in December for the following calendar year or at the time of hire.

Dependent Care Benefit Plan. The firm offers a plan that provides for pre-tax payment for approved expenses incurred for dependent child care. Enrollment is once yearly in December for the following calendar year or at the time of hire. There is no waiting period for eligibility.

Flexible Spending Account. The Firm offers a plan that provides a way to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to be used for out-of-pocket medical, dental and vision costs not otherwise covered by insurance. Enrollment is once yearly in December for the following calendar year or at the time of hire.

Fees: Bar Association, Bar Exam and Bar Review Course. The firm will pay the fees incident to the practice of law in Delaware, including annual business license fees, lawyer registration fees and clients' security trust fund fees. In addition, the firm will pay the fees in connection with the Delaware bar review course and the Delaware bar exam, plus a $5000 bar-study stipend, for new, entry-level associates.

Wellness. Richards Layton is concerned about the whole individual. To that end, the firm provides various programs, self-help seminars and services to enrich and enhance one’s life. Included are Lunch & Learn sessions on topics such as self defense, financial planning, CPR and AED (defibrillator) training, defensive driving courses, flu shots and cholesterol testing. There is a designated wellness room on site, and for one’s reading pleasure, the RLF Bookshelf is an ongoing free book exchange available to all employees.  Weekly chair massages are available at employees’ expense.