Kenneth Lund, managing partner of Holme Roberts & Owen, hand picks young guns from the best firms in California for his offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles. He entices them with flexible billing rates, shorter partnership tracks, and a chance to shift their careers into high gear. For young lawyers who appreciate the opportunities at Holme Roberts & Owen, gaining more control over their future is worth trading in on a big name. In the last three years Holme Roberts & Owen has hired 16 laterals. Five of them were partners from firms such as Heller Ehrman; Latham & Watkins; Morrison & Foerster; and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. Source: www.law.com

Los Angeles-based firm Quinn, Emanuel, Urquhart, Oliver, & Hedges has raised its first-year associate salary to $145,000, matching recent New York trends. This tops the $135,000 salary currently offered by most L.A. firms, a move which Quinn hopes will maintain its ability to attract top talent. Source: www.law.com