The "owners" of the firm are shareholders, not partners. The firm is committed to the advancement of its attorneys from associates to shareholders. An associate who is performing satisfactorily can expect to be considered for membership in January following his or her six-year anniversary from graduation. The Hiring Committee advises each associate annually of his or her progress toward membership. Additionally, associates may consult the Hiring Committee at any time regarding their progress. It is the firm's philosophy that its associates are employed in the hope that they will eventually qualify for membership.