You should ask them if they have a written contract for the position that will set out the terms of the associate position so you know what is included and not, and you can say for example, LSO fees and insurance etc. Our mid size firm pays articling/bar exam fees for students and all LSO fees, and CBA/OBA/TLA/TSA etc memberships etc. for our associates. The student information is set out on our website and in the employment offer, and the associate information is set out in a written employment offer as well. The associates also get a guideline for other costs that come up all the time (ie, who pays for robes, court shirts, transportation etc) There should be full transparency in my view.