Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates - The Inside View

Looking for a New York giant that’s scaled its way to the top of the BigLaw beanstalk? Call off the search! You’ll be glad to hear we found it, although Skadden is a Big Friendly Giant if we’ve ever seen one. With an international presence across Europe, Asia and the Americas, Skadden’s all-encompassing footprint has made quite the impression, not only on the legal market, but on aspiring associates too. “Skadden is a very powerful brand,” one noted when asked why they joined the firm, with another calling it “a market leader – one of the top firms in a number of aspects.” Skadden’s also a big name in both Chambers USA and Chambers Global - it's a champion of capital markets and corporate/M&A work around the world, while its New York homebase and California offices boast famed antitrust, litigation, tax, real estate, media & entertainment, and labor & employment practices. A true behemoth, “Skadden is head and shoulders above every other firm.”

“Skadden is head and shoulders above every other firm.”

Aside from name recognition, the undeniably lively culture at the firm was a huge draw for associates. “There’s an interest in finding diamonds in the rough,” one junior reflected, “people who are scrappier, who are more unique and interesting.” Another agreed that “culturally, we do blend very well. The firm tends to hire people who are more on the social side and willing to enjoy life with each other.” More on culture later, though. Skadden’s US offices span from coast to coast, with major touch points in New York, DC, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, Boston, Houston, and Chicago to name a few. Juniors on our list were based all over, but we found the most in New York, with several others in Los Angeles, DC, and Chicago.

Strategy & Future

Grab the packing tape because Skadden’s moving! “Our office is moving to Century City,” an LA associate enthused, “It’s a big change because Skadden has been in downtown LA for 40 years.” Anticipated to happen at the end of 2024, “it’ll be a big boon for recruiting and laterals who have wanted to work at Skadden but not wanted to drive all the way downtown.” Sources also mentioned the growth of the firm’s media and entertainment M&A practice, which has further inspired the move.

Skadden has also been focusing on expanding and elevating its practices worldwide, what with recent hires James Danly, former commissioner, chairman and general counsel of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, rejoining the firm as a partner and head of the energy regulatory group in DC, and Delphine Jaugey joining as counsel in London to boost the firm’s secondaries offerings. Also in London, the firm has onboarded banking partner Sebastian FitzGerald to build out its leveraged finance practice. We also heard that the firm is potentially eyeing further international expansion into Riyadh.

The Work

Skadden’s juniors were evenly spread out between practices with litigation, M&A, and capital markets being the most popular, but tax, banking, corporate, and antitrust/competition had a number of associates on our list too. Staffing works differently across groups, as we heard that some groups like litigation have a hybrid staffing model: “Early on, you don’t have as much of a relationship with partners, so having centralized staffing lets you work with lots of people.” That said, “if you’re interested in working with a particular partner or case, it’s always an open-door policy.” This differs from how capital markets and M&A associates get work, though we heard that this is very office dependent. “It’s very formal,” an M&A insider said of the practice’s weekly staffing meetings, “Even if it’s more informal, a partner who wants to staff you will probably go through staffing instead of asking you directly.” Generally, juniors didn’t mind this system, as “the work will find you because you’re told to sit back and wait for staffing,” but by all means, “you can try to source work by swinging by a partner’s office!”

“…things also pop up that are so interesting and unique that they’ll need Skadden because no one has ever done something like it before!”

Litigation at Skadden is extensive, encompassing white collar, appellate, patent litigation, mass torts, and antitrust, so it’s rare that two associates are ever working on the same type of matter! It’s also location dependent. Down in DC, the work is mainly centered around government investigations, but up in New York, we heard that associates work on securities litigation, which is “our big powerhouse sector that fuels our groups,” bankruptcy; antitrust; broken deal litigation; financial services litigation; contract and commercial disputes; and investigations for large corporations like Fortune 500 companies, venture capital funds, and banks. Don’t worry if that sounds daunting! “The fun thing about Skadden is that you’ll get unique things from personal clients,” one source divulged, continuing to say, “We have large institutional clients that we work with all the time, but things also pop up that are so interesting and unique that they’ll need Skadden because no one has ever done something like it before!”

In terms of junior responsibilities, “you do start with a little bit more of the grunt work, but once seniors realize that you’re someone who can take on more responsibility, they’re more than happy to give it to you.” This includes anything from the everyday doc review – which sources “secretly love because I like spying on people!” – legal research, and prepping discovery all the way up to second-chairing depositions, drafting, and working with experts. “Skadden is known for letting juniors jump in,” an insider told us, “And when I think back, I’ve done a lot! There’s tons of experience for the taking.”

Litigation clients: BMW, Amgen, Unilever. Representing Purdue Pharma in connection with its resolution of U.S. Department of Justice civil and criminal investigations concerning the sale and marketing of opioid products.

Speaking to M&A juniors, the consensus was that “Skadden does a lot of strategic M&A, which is fairly uncommon to do with such prestigious clients!” The work includes the full spectrum of negotiated and contested situations, including strategic mergers, joint ventures, proxy contests, spin-offs and split-offs, financial sponsor-led transactions, recapitalizations, and general corporate counseling. M&A associates also had a positive take on their first-year duties: “It’s a lot of saving docs, updating the checklist – it might seem like low-level work to someone on the litigation side, but it’s not for us. People will really praise you for catching a tiny typo in the purchase agreement!” Although, “there are some processes you really get to own as a junior,” such as disclosure schedules, diligence sources, and getting the first cut at drafting and running the NDA process. Of the group, one source shared that both the work and the tasks “really do vary, which is nice because you can keep your practice as broad as you want.”

M&A clients: Tom Ford, Visa, Splunk. Advised Activision Blizzard in its $75 billion acquisition by Microsoft – the all-cash transaction is the world’s largest ever technology deal to date.

Interviewees were full of praise for the firm’s capital markets practice: “The group is unique,” one gushed, “if you develop a willingness and capacity to take work off the person above you, people are willing to give you that responsibility.” While “equity markets have been historically bad since I’ve been here,” work is still plentiful, with equity and debt financings, private placements, investment grade and high-yield debt, IPOs, and a little bit of emerging companies work on the side. When we asked about clientele, one source quipped, “It’s easier to say who our clients aren’t!” Fortune 100 and 500 companies are regulars – “which is just awesome!” – but there’s also room for smaller companies that “are just raising a couple hundred million dollars.”

“…the skillset you develop being a capital markets associate at Skadden will prepare you for work anywhere.”

Day-to-day, juniors find themselves doing tasks like signature packets, reviewing diligence, running checklists, and keeping documents on track, but “you do get to grow very quickly.” Because “we staff very lean, it’s a little more sink or swim,” so you can soon graduate to drafting major transactional documents, being the sole point of client contact, and even running SPAC dissolutions. As one source concluded, “the work really does touch on everything, and the skillset you develop being a capital markets associate at Skadden will prepare you for work anywhere.”

Capital markets clients: Bank of America, Citigroup, Pfizer. Represented Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan as underwriters in a matter worth $1.5 billion.

Pro Bono

At Skadden, “in theory, you can do all the pro bono in the world!” Associates have unlimited pro bono hours to count towards their bonus which is “incredible” and “has wildly exceeded my expectations” – especially since “you get a lot of good experience on these cases; there’s an opportunity for anything you want to do.” This was the consensus, with another insider exclaiming that “we’re so big that we literally do it all! Because Skadden has so many practices, there’s always someone to help and supervise. It’s cool because it feels like there are no limitations.”

The breadth of work available reflects this too. Sources noted the firm’s vast pro bono roster, highlighting asylum and immigration; veterans’ rights; housing; abortion; criminal and civil defense for inmates; police and prison guard brutality; LGBTQ+ legislations; short-term clinics; and helping actors review their contracts in partnership with Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. On the corporate side, juniors can work alongside non-profits, sometimes doing entity formation, incorporating bylaws, or negotiating contracts. Either way, interviewees couldn’t “emphasize enough how much I feel encouraged to do pro bono – it feels special here.”

Pro bono hours

• For all US offices: 152,377
• Average per US attorney: 128.5

Career Development

When we asked about career development, one associate gushed: “It’s like you’re becoming part of a huge, well-functioning, well-operated machine!” Numerous training programs are available for juniors, and interviewees were happy to share that “the training is so structured here, which is great! You don’t want to be getting like 1800s-style, apprentice learning on how to do stuff.” This insider added, “It’s a good way to meet people throughout the firm across groups, but also a good way to anchor your learning from the summer – we’ve got a good Hogwarts kind of thing going on!” Formal and informal mentorship alike are also big at Skadden, and the latter is “the biggest pro. I’ve had some of the best teachers who I can go to and ask silly questions.” Though, with initiatives like SkadUp - a mentoring initiative offered in addition to the formal program for which there's a budget for coffees and lunches with assigned partner and associate mentors - associates loved that “if you showcase even a modicum of enthusiasm about what you’re doing” to them, “they’ll talk your head off about it!”

Skadden is looking beyond the present into the future too: “The firm does a uniquely good job of teaching you that your life here is important and if that’s not what you want, there’s so much more out there.” For this reason, associates appreciated the firm’s investment in them early on, as “they’re not developing you because they want you to help them; they’re doing it because they want to help you.” If you’re looking to stay long-term, “almost all partners are homegrown,” and you can “communicate what type of career you want to build, and people will meet you in the middle.”

Culture, Hours & Compensation

Billable hours: 1,800 target

You know it, we know it – Skadden carries a reputation amongst law students for being a very social firm: “I’ll get questions from recruits about the social aspect of Skadden – people are worried that it’s going to be a black mark against them if they don’t go out with us.” We asked associates whether this was a fair assessment. “All the literature on our firm is pretty much accurate,” one interviewee joked; on a more serious note, with a whopping 96% of surveyed juniors believing that associate camaraderie is strong, an insider helpfully explained that “it’s a valid concern, but a funny notion once you get here. Like, dude, it's not super fratty – don’t misunderstand us! You can do any and all of it, or absolutely nothing at all. There’s no pressure other than people wanting to spend time with you, so it’s the most wholesome, best possible pressure you could have!”

“I will die on the hill that our summer program is the best you could ever have – it’s like an adult summer camp!”

That aside, juniors detailed practice group lunches, dinners, and drinks that happen monthly and more niche events like “an 80s ski party at a partner’s house,” but we heard that “summer is when the events pop off.” One source boldly claimed: “I will die on the hill that our summer program is the best you could ever have – it’s like an adult summer camp!” Aside from the Belmont Stakes, an annual horse race on Long Island, almost every New York interviewee highlighted the summer event at MoMA, where “there were people going around shucking oysters for you – like they had a bucket on their hip and I was like, I don’t know how much this costs, but this is sick!” No need for FOMO if you’re craving sunnier pastures on the West Coast. Between Hollywood Horror Nights at Universal Studios, wine tasking, parties at arcades, and drinks at the Russo Brothers’ brewery, one of the firm’s star-studded clients, “there’s no shortage of fun things to do!”

As one insider put it: “I always laugh about hours because BigLaw can be tough, but Skadden is great!” Every junior we spoke to thought that the billable target was “really attainable,” especially since “if you’re low, it’s super easy to take on pro bono.” Up to 50 hours of involvement in DEI initiatives and recruiting knowledge, as well as up to 100 hours for thought leadership, knowledge management, business development or shadowing can be credited as billable too; so essentially, “if you’re being productive in any way that benefits the firm, you’ll hit it!” Even better, “the norm is to get your bonus!"

According to our survey, associates are working an average of 48.7 hours a week – similar to the market average – and we also heard about the “full-scale” gym in the New York office that allows for some flexibility during the workday: “You’re not going to get judged if you go to the gym in the middle of the day – even the senior partners are there!” That said, Skadden is now encouraging associates to be in from Monday to Thursday, a change that was met with mixed reviews. One confessed, “Honestly, I get it because the odds of me doing work effectively are a lot higher if I’m in the office. There was some grumbling, but everyone’s gotten over it.” On the bright side, this source went on to highlight the “slept-on benefit of Skadden:” free breakfast every day before 10:30!

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Feedback on DEI at Skadden was largely positive, especially regarding gender and racial diversity because “people are walking through the doors from various communities.” Associates were pleased to report that “we’ve had women come back from maternity leave and be roped back into deal flow really seamlessly. If that continues and if that’s respected, we’ll see more women in the partnership ranks.” Although “intersectionally, there’s still work to be done, every single day without fail, I’ll see diverse faces and that makes such a big difference,” one junior commented, and affinity groups like Black Lawyers for Diversity (BLD), the Latinx, First Gen, LGBTQ+, and the FAM group for parents provide communities for diverse lawyers. We heard that affinity group gatherings are frequent, and they are useful resources that “are well funded. We’ll go to concerts together!” And with our survey showing that 77% of associates believe that the firm makes an effort to retain its diverse talent, an interviewee mused, “There are a lot of diverse associates in the ranks right now, but what the firm will have to prove overtime is whether we’ll see these people stay and be promoted.”

Get Hired

Applications and first round interviews

Skadden welcomes any student, from any law school, to apply for a Summer Associate position. While the firm intentionally hires from a variety of law schools across the country, schools like Chicago, Columbia, Georgetown, Harvard, Penn, NYU and Berkeley are the most represented more recently. Skadden hires students who apply to meet with them directly, as well as through campus-sponsored programs. For those applying directly, it is recommended that they do so once their spring semester grades are available (usually by early to mid-June).

Most preliminary interviews involve two attorneys from the office to which students are applying: the thinking behind this is to give applicants an insight into Skadden's collaborative approach to practice. The criteria for getting to the next level is being qualified to work at the firm; demonstrating a genuine interest in Skadden's work; and being able to integrate within teams at the firm. As the first point largely speaks for itself, the latter two should be kept in mind.

Top tips for this stage: 

“Get to know the firm by attending as many informational and networking events as possible during 1L year.  Take the time to get a sense of what firms practice, where they are located, and a sense for how the attorneys work.”

“Build your interests list as you attend 1L events and research firms so you are ready to submit applications as soon as your 1L spring grades are available.”

“The firm encourages those who were not selected for 1L positions to apply again as 2Ls.  Many summer associates hires are second time applicants.”

Callbacks

The firm gets a flavor of applicants' tastes in practice areas and interests before they arrive for their callback (both in-person and virtual options are offered), so when they meet a mix of partners, counsel and associates they'll be from relevant teams and backgrounds. Students also get to know juniors on a more informal basis (e.g., lunch, coffee, drinks) and there are other opportunities to get an idea of Skadden's culture. The firm asks those invited for callbacks to complete an online assessment beforehand as an opportunity to share additional information about candidates’ strengths, allowing the firm to get to know students beyond credentials and interviews, and their alignment with firm goals and values.

Impressing those you speak to is important at this level, as they will be assessing whether you can fit in at the firm and practice at a high level. Enthusiasm is the most important trait to demonstrate, but don't go overboard: it's important to be true to yourself rather than trying to be what you think the firm wants you to be.

Top tips for this stage: 

"We look for the drive of wanting to learn as much as possible. The people who are happiest here want to be working because they're learning new things from the best in the field."

"Skadden prizes folks who can communicate well and interface with clients. There's more of a mix of people here than at some other firms. There is no one type of Skadden lawyer."

Summer program

Number of summers in 2024: 202 (46 of which are Skadden 1L Scholars)

There's no formal rotation in Skadden's summer program – participating students can sample different areas as they please. The firm does prefer summer associates to narrow their focus around the midpoint of the program, so if you want to experiment then the first few weeks are the best time. Experimentation is indeed encouraged – a partner on their hiring committee recalls "time and again I see students discover a passion for a practice area they had never previously considered during the summer!"

There's thorough legal and business skills training including diversity, equity and inclusion and well-being seminars and workshops, plus more specialized sessions for anybody keen on specific areas like tax or derivatives. Explore what's offered and don't be afraid of asking attorneys any questions you may have. Intellectual curiosity is highly valued at Skadden.

Summer associates are paired with attorney mentors to ensure personalized support and attention.  When the summer program ends, former summer associates and newly hired incoming associates become a part of the Rising Associate Mentoring Program (RAMP). This keeps incoming associates connected to the firm while they are finishing school and eases the transition from 3L to first-year associate.

In addition, just about everyone takes on pro bono during the summer. Although optional, the opportunities to contribute to impact projects that address critical issues of the moment, including the fight against systemic racism, immigration and the refugee crisis, are too good to pass up.

Notable summer events have included: tours at cultural landmarks and attractions; culinary and mixology demonstrations; well-being programming and events; private documentary screenings; team-building challenges; and concerts and comedy shows.

Top tips for this stage: 

"Use the summer program to explore practice areas beyond your initial interests.  Don’t miss a great opportunity to work on an exciting matter or with a terrific mentor because it doesn’t fit into your original plan."

"Your work should form your reputation for being a great contributor and a team player ― don't be known as the person who shows up late or doesn’t communicate well."

And finally...

The firm recommends that when deciding which offer to accept, “you should meet as many people as possible and trust your instincts ― in the end, your decision has to feel right for you and your career.”