Do the good thing and sign up for Goodwin if tech, life sciences and private equity work appeals.
Goodwin Lateral Profile 2023
When it comes to areas like tech, life sciences and private equity, Boston-based Goodwin is among the best of the best. Chambers USA, for example, recognizes the firm in 75 areas across eight different regions, with 17 of those accolades positioning the firm at the very top of its field. Talking numbers, Goodwin’s revenue more than doubled to over $1.5 billion between 2010 and 2020, and a year later, in 2021, the firm’s gross revenue was just shy of $2 billion. Even in the recent boom market, this growth is nothing short of impressive and has seen the firm charge up the AmLaw rankings, where it now sits in the top 20.
View the firm’s Chambers USA rankings
Read the firm’s Inside View feature on junior associate life
Associates say…
“I chose Goodwin for its terrific platform for law and innovation (tech/life sciences/private equity/capital markets); top notch lawyers and practices.”
“One of the best technology law firms.”
“I liked Goodwin's approach to the business of law by focusing on industries as opposed to practices. The culture is also top notch.”
Strategic Recruitment Focuses 2023
Technology careers
Technology clients: PsiQuantum; Paperless Post; Hopin
Recent highlight: Advised Toast on its $1 billion IPO.
Life sciences careers
Life sciences clients: Amylyx Pharmaceuticals; Bain Capital Life Sciences; Forma Therapeutics
Recent highlight: Advised Bain Capital Life Sciences in a Series A financing of Arteteia Therapeutics in connection with a potential oral therapy for asthma patients.
Private equity careers
Private equity clients: The Halifax Group; Ivy Fertility; GEF Capital Partners
Recent highlight: Advised Retina Holdings in a series of acquisitions.
Real estate careers
Real estate clients: Hyatt; Boston Properties; AvalonBay Communities
Recent highlight: Advised Medial Properties Trust in the recapitalization of a number of hospital facilities in Massachusetts.
Financial industry careers
Financial industry clients: The Westchester Bank; Century Bancorp; Northmark Bank
Recent highlight: Representing Brookline Bancorp in its agreement to acquire New York-chartered commercial bank PCSN Financial Corporation.
International Opportunities
Overseas career development opportunities (view from the firm): Launched in 2018, the Global Rotation Program strives to enhance integration across our U.S. and International offices for business law and litigation associates (fifth-year and above) and counsel. Participants have the opportunity to visit up to two Goodwin offices outside of their home country for a four-week period to network, gain visibility into client relationships and shadow deals in different geographies.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
48 |
1.6 : 1 |
29% |
||
|
partners made |
associate : partner |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
70% |
51% |
88% |
||
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with children | felt partnership was achievable at the firm | agreed partners are nurturing future leaders |
||
The view from the firm: Goodwin offers robust training programs for our attorneys, including over 200 trainings that are CLE eligible. In addition, together with Harvard Business School and Law School faculty, we deliver leadership training at critical career junctures:
- The Developing Your Path program helps mid-level associates proactively approach career development and work effectively as managers of people and projects.
- The Transition to Leadership program helps fifth-year associates develop leadership styles and understanding of firm strategy in preparation for elevation to counsel or partner roles.
- The Advanced Leadership program helps newly elected partners strengthen their project management, client development and team leadership skills, and broaden their understanding of professional service firms, innovation and organizational development.
- The Executive Leadership program helps partners prepare for leadership roles through executive leadership programs at Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School and Stanford Law School.
Hours & Compensation
|
1,950 |
14 |
45.2 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took |
average number of hours associates worked |
|
64% |
71% |
74% |
| agreed they had a good work-life balance |
said the benefits package makes the workload worthwhile |
found the bonus allocation |
Salaries
1st year: $215,000
2nd year: $225,000
3rd year: $250,000
4th year: $295,000
5th year: $345,000
6th year: $370,000
7th year: $400,000
8th year: $415,000
The view from the firm: Attorneys who meet the 1950 billable hours threshold will be eligible to receive a bonus. Billable hours include not only client related work, but pro bono work as well and there is no cap on the amount of pro bono hours an attorney can do. Attorneys may also earn billable credit for attending up to 25 hours of training programs. In addition, attorneys who record at least 25 hours of time on certain firm initiatives like developing firm training programs or supporting the firm’s DEI efforts may earn up to 100 hours of billable credit for their work.
We bring inclusion to life by adapting our work place to meet people where they are. From need-blind flexible work arrangements, to alternative career paths, to creative accommodation solutions, we look beyond traditional diversity categories in our inclusion work. We created a formal flexible work program called “FlexWork” to support lawyers who have personal commitments outside of work that cause them to seek non-traditional or reduced-time schedules.
Is Goodwin the right firm for you?
|
93% |
91% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work is interesting |
We asked survey respondents what stands out about the firm’s culture?
“The partners and counsels are extremely helpful, gave great guidance, and always gave meaningful feedback on your work. The mentorship and time they take to train and develop your skills is unmatched.”
“Goodwin trusts associates and treats them as professionals. There is a commitment to caring for associates in all aspects of their lives and to maintaining a collegial and democratic culture at the firm.”
“The casual environment. We have a casual dress code and in general people are not snobby or arrogant. Everyone is kind and supportive and is usually willing to help in whatever way they can. It is not a competitive atmosphere.”
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
82% |
32% |
39% |
|
reported strong performance in inclusivity training |
of partners are women |
of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
The view from the firm: In September 2022, Goodwin achieved Diversity Lab’s Mansfield 5.0 Certification after completing a twelve-month certification program. The Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification attests that Goodwin affirmatively considered at least 30 percent women, underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities, and senior lateral positions.
Goodwin also signed on to the next iteration of the Mansfield Rule, 6.0 certification. New for this version, Diversity Lab expands the criteria to ensure that firms:
• Consider at least 30% lawyers from all four historically underrepresented groups when appointing to leadership roles and promoting into the equity partnership, among a dozen other activities that focus on the path to leadership; and
•Consider 30% underrepresented talent for C-suite roles.
Pro Bono
|
42 |
87% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: Citizenship related pro bono work; ACLU of Maine
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Ashley Nelson, managing director of legal talent acquisition, legalrecruiting@goodwinlaw.com