Recruiting

The Firm's History

Hoskin Farina & Kampf, Professional Corporation, traces its history from Vincent & Vincent, one of the first law partnerships established in western Colorado around the turn of the century.  The modern history of the firm began when James K. Groves returned to Grand Junction after law school to associate with Alexander Bowie around 1933.  James Groves became one of the most prominent attorneys in the Rocky Mountain region, recognized for his particular expertise in natural resources law and was appointed to the Colorado Supreme Court in 1968.  In the 1950's, William H. Nelson joined James Groves.  William H. Nelson carried on the tradition of quality representation as the firm grew to its present day size.

Associate Attorneys

Our principal goal is and always has been to provide increased value to our clients through high-quality, efficient and timely legal services that are aligned with and responsive to our clients' needs and challenges.  Achievement of that goal depends on hiring and supporting attorneys qualified to meet the responsibilities of  a sophisticated regional practice. It is expected that an associate attorney will obtain his or her license to practice law in Colorado following the earliest available Colorado bar examination.

Compensation for associate attorneys consists of base salary -- generally which is adjusted annually on an individual basis -- and an incentive bonus plan which is available commencing with an associate attorney's first full year with the firm, and annual contributions to an employee's profit sharing plan.  The firm has historically funded each employee's plan with a generous contribution computed as a percentage of the employee's salary.  Employees are eligible to enter the firm's profit sharing plan at the earlier of January 1 or July 1 following the employee's first anniversary of employment.  Other benefits provided by the firm to associate attorneys include group life, health and long term disability insurance plans; reimbursement for professional dues and expenses; and a travel and expense allowance for continuing legal education and other professional activities.  The firm has no set vacation policy for either associate attorneys or shareholders; each attorney is free to coordinate personal vacation time consistent with the maintenance of a professional practice.

Associate attorneys can expect to work in a variety of the firm's areas of practice.  In addition to performing research and writing tasks, a new associate is expected to develop skills for effective client communication, negotiations with other attorneys, drafting complex documents and litigation with adverse parties.  Although the time period varies with individual skill and dedication, the firm delegates increased responsibilities to associate attorneys as rapidly as possible, and an associate normally becomes fully and directly occupied with client matters within one year.

Our attorneys have the opportunity to develop practice areas of specialization consistent with their individual interests and particular expertise; however, the demands of our practice require that each attorney gains experience and expertise in several practice areas.  Associate attorneys are also encouraged to participate in community and professional organizations in areas of their interest.

Associate attorneys are given regular feedback as to their performance.  More formal evaluations of all associates are conducted at or near the end of each calendar year.  Generally, a decision as to whether the firm will offer an associate attorney the opportunity to become a shareholder is made by the beginning of the calendar year following the sixth anniversary of employment.

The Community and Regional Environment

As the largest community between Denver and Salt Lake City, Grand Junction is the center of transportation, business, professional and cultural activities for an extensive geographic area.  As a result, Grand Junction possesses the amenities and opportunities of a city several times larger than its urban area population of approximately 140,000.  In addition to the traditional areas of agriculture, energy and tourism, Grand Junction has attracted new services and light manufacturing industries to the community, thus broadening its economic base.  The community offers a strong public school system, a four-year college with post-graduate programs, a symphony orchestra and regional arts center, museums, major hospital and medical center facilities, an extensive parks and recreation program, and several golf, tennis and athletic club facilities.

The Grand Junction area enjoys four distinct seasons, none of which is severe.  Sunny, mild and dry weather prevails most of the year, enabling residents to take advantage of the abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities available in western Colorado and eastern Utah.  The resort areas of Aspen, Vail, Beaver Creek, Telluride and Powderhorn are all easily accessible for winter or summer sports or summer cultural festivals.  Within a short distance from Grand Junction are some of the finest mountain and canyon areas in the Rocky Mountain region, including several national parks, monuments and recreation areas, for skiing, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, road and mountain bicycling, whitewater river rafting and boating.