Baker Botts L.L.P. - The Inside View

Everything is bigger in Texas, as the age old saying goes, so it makes sense that it’d be the perfect place to kickstart a career in BigLaw. And if we are talking Texan BigLaw firms, then Baker Botts is a name you’ll want to keep on your radar, thanks to its promise of big-name clients, top work and a serious global network. Given BB’s history in the Lone Star State, you’d be correct in thinking that energy is one of its key strengths, alongside tech and life sciences. As such, the “caliber of work and top-tier talent” was one of the main draws for our interviewees and this reputation is confirmed by our colleagues at Chambers USA. Here, the firm picks up dozens of rankings, celebrating best-in-class recognition nationwide for its expertise in international arbitration, energy transition, oil and gas litigation and projects. At home in Texas, the firm scoops up top marks in regulatory and contentious oil and gas and electricity, appellate and securities litigation, IP, real estate and tax, while its DC office is awarded for its work in environment. To sum up, “Baker Botts is an energy firm, but DC, New York and California aren’t exactly the same,” according to one insider, though “the tech and environment work is truly awesome.”

“Having good quality people is important and BB has lots of them.”

Another pull factor for associates was the array of practices: “BB has a very balanced practice where every group is well respected and has cool things going on!”  Those in IP relished the fact that “I’ll be able to get exposure in patent prosecution, litigation and tech transactions without having to narrow my practice.” Associates were also drawn to the genuine interactions and supportive culture they witnessed during interviews, explaining how “my personal interactions with the firm definitely passed the vibe check!” This first impression fortunately remained true once interviewees joined the firm, and insiders reflected that “the job is easier when you like the people. Having good quality people is important and BB has lots of them – it’s what makes a long-term future here sustainable.”

Just over half of the juniors on our list were based in BB’s Texan offices: Houston, Dallas and Austin. New York and DC were also home to a good number of associates, while the rest were spread across in San Francisco and Palo Alto.

Strategy & Future

A key theme in our discussions with associates was the appointment of Danny David as managing partner in 2023. “We have a new managing partner, and we’re on track and doing well as a firm,” interviewees were pleased to report, “We receive regular communication about what’s on the horizon and any new partners joining the firm.” Associates told us that the aim for the firm going forward is growing organically while adding lateral partners with specific skillsets, “leaning into our strengths in energy and tech.” In total, 13 lateral partners joined the firm stateside in 2024. Earlier this year, there were twelve promotions to partner and three to counsel across tax, global projects, intellectual property, corporate and litigation.

The Work

Most of the associates on our list were found in the litigation department, followed by intellectual property and corporate, while the rest were spread across global projects and tax. There’s a free market system in place for work allocation, though associates explained that departments are supported by a weekly workload tracker. First-years are formally assigned work from the get-go, yet some mentioned that they’re still given time to adjust to the system and start building connections. That said, associates valued the flexibility of finding working that interests them, and highlighted how BB is the kind of place where “people talk to each other about matters that have opened recently and opportunities that are in the pipeline.”

Associates in BB’s litigation department take a more generalist approach, working across commercial disputes, energy, appellate, white-collar investigations and enforcement, with dedicated specialists in antitrust, cybersecurity, and environmental, safety and incident response. In fact, as associates were more than happy to tell us: “We have one of the biggest environmental law practices in the US. We deal with all the main issues such as the Clean Air Act (CAA) and all the other acronyms! We are also strong in incident response and government advocacy at a state and federal level.” Here, New York attracts a number of white-collar cases while DC is a hotspot for antitrust litigation and merger clearance across healthcare and technology. Since the firm has such a strong energy focus, there’s also “lots of breach of contract work across large-scale oil and gas and renewable energy projects. The work is intellectually stimulating, and it’s interesting seeing the issues and disputes that arise.”

“I expected it to be a lot of watching and learning, but they rely on my contributions.”

With such a variety of work, responsibilities naturally differ, but be prepared for lots of research and discovery. Juniors also draft memos, client alerts and requests for information and, eventually, summary motions or motions to answer and dismiss. A couple of interviewees had even assisted with depositions and trials as well. Those working in environmental law valued the business development aspect of the team as they can “attend conferences, where we learn and get to meet industry experts and potential clients.” Overall, as sources reflected, “I expected it to be a lot of watching and learning, but they rely on my contributions. It’s not in a sink-or-swim way, but when you are ready to contribute substantially and have earned that trust, it’s reassuring and builds your confidence.”

Litigation clients: Pepsi, AT&T, Credit Suisse. Secured a trial victory for Computer Sciences Corporation, a subsidiary of DXC Technology Company, in a $194 million trade secrets lawsuit.

For those in intellectual property, the work covers litigation, copyright, trademarks, patent prosecution and portfolio counseling across high tech and life sciences. “I was drawn in by its strong presence in energy, biotech, MedTech, FinTech and emerging technologies,” a junior elaborated, “This great diversity has carried over into my work.” Whether it’s trade secrets or infringement disputes, for example, the firm typically defends plaintiffs in district court claims and in appeals at the Federal Circuit. Juniors here dive into research and discovery, supporting seniors by tackling parts of motions and briefs and, in some instances, assisting with deposition and witness prep. The patent side of the practice primarily involves filing patent applications and managing client portfolios, meaning that many members of the team have scientific or technical degrees. A junior on this side of the work explained: “I handle the drafting for my own docket of patent applications and take the first and second passes at freedom to operate studies. I keep my eyes on existing patents in the landscape, and then prepare and discuss my findings with a partner.”

Intellectual property clients: Lyft, Netflix, MasterCard. Representing long-time client Samsung Electronics in 15 inter partes reviews against Netlist at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

Over in corporate, BB lawyers work on M&A transactions, capital markets and corporate governance. There’s also a separate specialist finance group that falls under the corporate umbrella, too. Like their counterparts in litigation, juniors in corporate are generalists and get to work across sub-practices: “The variety makes you a more well-rounded associate as you get comfortable taking on different deals.” We heard that the work also varies across offices, with Houston enjoying a diverse range of renewables and oil and gas work, while there’s more of a focus on telecoms in New York and plenty of startup work in California and Austin. The capital markets side of the practice represents issuers and underwriters, and covers debt, equity and initial public offerings. However, there are also opportunities related to tax credits, carbon credits, and Securities Exchange Act compliance. The junior role, according to interviewees, is “quarterbacking the deal, handling checklists, signature pages and communicating with specialists. You keep on top of things and take the first cut at drafting ancillary documents.” Client contact was a highlight here, as associates get “the opportunity to talk on and even lead calls. It scared me to death when I first did it, but it’s exciting to get called upon.” Other sources agreed, summarizing, “as people trust you, you’ll find lots of opportunities to get reps in.”

Corporate clients: Siemens Energy Global, BP, Westlake Corporation. Advising Sempra Infrastructure on its liquefied natural gas joint venture with ConocoPhillips, which was valued at $13 billion in its first stage.

Career Development

According to associates, professional development is another one of BB’s key strengths. Rookies are paired with a partner mentor right off the bat and are encouraged to meet monthly and for an annual review: “It’s a great formal relationship that is nurtured. You can talk about work, career development and the best next steps.” There’s also more than enough organic mentorship, as sources described how “people are receptive and happy to take on a mentor role. Partners and seniors are willing to take the time to help you understand and learn.” Interviewees stressed the importance of promoting yourself in the firm, noting how BB further encourages such informal connections by offering a budget for grabbing coffees or lunches with colleagues.

“I’m constantly working with fantastic lawyers.”

Day to day, juniors were grateful for the opportunity to take on further responsibility in their matters. “I’m constantly working with fantastic lawyers, getting constructive edits back from senior associates and partners,” a junior pointed out. This is supplemented by a bank of online training, lunch and learns, seminars and conferences. Mid-level litigators also have in-person deposition and trial training sessions.

Sources were quick to highlight how, when it comes to long-term career progression, “there isn’t a mass of associates, and they see potential in each hire.” As such, associates felt that partnership is an attainable goal, especially since so many partners started their careers at the firm. Moreover, we heard that it’s not an unapproachable topic as “partners have spoken about it in meetings, and about how you can’t just bill your way there. You need to make client connections.” Before getting to this stage, however, there’s a mid-level academy where the path to partnership is discussed in more detail.

Culture

“It’s a happy place!”

Insiders were keen to tell us about the support and friendliness at BB, noting how, “it’s a reason so many people stay, from support staff to associates and the most senior partners. It’s a close-knit environment, and everyone looks out for each other.” Associates also highlighted how this extends beyond Texas to the East and West Coast offices, with local variations of course, but “it’s a happy place! People are always smiling and stopping to chat.” Most social events take place around the holiday season and summer program, though there are also occasional happy hours, firm lunches and client events. Outside of this, there’s an effort for junior associates to informally get together. For example, in Houston, “there’s a lunch every Wednesday – we pick up food together and grab a conference room to eat in.”

Hours & Compensation

Billable hours: 2,000 target

Most juniors agreed that the billable target is achievable, adding, “it’s not impossible, but you do need to take ownership and go for it.” Associates can also contribute up to 200 hours of pro bono and management-approved non-billable time (MANB). MANB is capped at 100 hours and can include anything from business development (eg presentations and research projects) to participating in DEI activities. However, as a few interviewees pointed out, it doesn’t include time spent on recruitment. That said, the only consequence for not hitting the target is missing out on the lockstep bonus: “The firm doesn’t look down on you at all unless there’s a stark gap.” Sources were grateful for this attitude, especially given that much of an associate’s first year is typically spent ramping up and actively trying to source work if a practice is slow. For those who go above and beyond, there’s also a discretionary bonus.

When it comes to hours, associates explained that an average day starts between 8.30-9am and typically finishes around 6pm. Even though associates are expected in the office at least three days a week, we heard that there’s still plenty of flexibility, as attorneys often start earlier or finish later from home. As interviewees reflected: “Lots of associates and partners have kids, so you’ll see many trickle out in the afternoon and log back on later.” There are of course intense periods when crunch time hits but, as one corporate junior outlined “that could be ten, twelve or even up to 15 billable hours a day, but those periods don’t last very long or come all that often.” What’s more, 77% of survey respondents felt that they had a good work-life balance, which is 13% higher than the market average!

Inclusion

“It’s good to see that people here can start a family without compromising their career.”

Juniors were quick to praise gender representation at the firm, explaining, “there are lots of women at Baker Botts, with plenty in leadership, too.” Many noted how “there are plenty of resources available for new parents and especially moms who are getting ready to take leave. It’s good to see that people here can start a family without compromising their career.” In fact, just over 80% of our survey respondents felt that partnership is achievable for those with children or caregiver responsibilities.

Sources appreciated the firm’s receptiveness and efforts to improve, such as its involvement with wider communities: “Pitches are well received and supported, and leadership is making sure we stay consistent with our approach.” Moreover, there are seven affinity groups on offer at BB, for groups such as AAPI, Hispanic, Black and African American and LGBTQ+ members of the firm, as well as women, first generation lawyers and veterans. Each group hosts its own events, and the Women in Action network, for example, holds breakfasts with partners so “associates can pick their brains. We get to ask them, ‘hey, I need your advice on this’ and foster connections in a more organic way!”

Pro Bono

BB’s policy of 200 creditable pro bono hours is just one example of its attitude towards pro bono. More anecdotally, “everyone I’ve worked with, whether that’s juniors or partners, has been so excited about their pro bono projects,” one source elaborated, while another added “they’re all inspired by it and that’s why they keep doing more.” Attorneys will often receive emails from dedicated pro bono coordinators with available opportunities, which could either be firmwide or office specific. These include anything from short-term commitments and day clinics to larger-scale Supreme Court cases.

Interviewees spoke about providing corporate advice to startups in under-represented communities, researching state law, and working on matters related to veterans, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, family law and prisoners’ rights thanks to connections with organizations such as The Innocence Project and Houston Volunteer Lawyers. Not only do juniors get to experience more of a leadership role on such matters, directly communicating with clients, contributing to case strategy, drafting briefs and presenting oral arguments, but it’s also “extremely rewarding.” For instance, one insider shared how “helping a client get charges expunged from their record was especially fulfilling. Those charges served no purpose but to hold them back while they were trying to get back on their feet.”

Pro bono hours

• For all US attorneys: undisclosed
• Average per US attorney: undisclosed

Get Hired

The first stage: recruitment on and off campus 

Baker Botts encourages applicants to submit their applications through their website careers portal. They also attend a limited number of law school OCIs and job fairs, as well as soliciting resume collections. Partners, senior and junior associates interview students. Director of recruiting Alison Ketabchi tells us that interviewers ask questions “ranging from topics provided on the resume, professional experience, academic achievements, as well as questions to solicit insight into the student’s leadership skills, commitment to excellence, dedication, and commitment to client service.” 

Ketabchi advises applicants to “be prepared,” and “do their homework on the firm and the interviewer.” A successful and “meaningful” interview comes when the student can “articulate why they are specifically interested in our firm and the particular geographic market.” 

Top tips for this stage: 

“I was looking for a local firm that had some prestige, some weight, some history. And those are all pieces of the Baker Botts puzzle.” – a junior associate.

“You have worked hard to achieve the academic success that has led to the interview. Don’t undermine that hard work by failing to put your best foot forward.” – director of recruiting Alison Ketabchi.

Callbacks 

Applicants invited to second stage interview: 93 

Students meet with four to eight lawyers on their callback interview, “depending on their practice area interest and office preference.” Interviewees meet a “cross-section of lawyers of varying seniority,” in their practice area of interest and practice areas outside that. Questions on the day are similar to the ones at during the initial meeting, but go more in-depth, “providing a better opportunity to share information.” Ketabchi advises students to do their research in preparation for the day: “This enables them to articulate why they are specifically interested in Baker Botts and the particular office.” 

Top tips for this stage: 

“The firm didn’t feel egotistical. They were real people first and then they’re lawyers. I knew it was a good fit for me when I saw people having interests in addition to their busy work schedules.” – a junior associate.

“Students should also be enthusiastic during the interview day. The firm is investing time and resources to invite the student back for more interviews and wants to see that the student is excited to be there..” – director of recruiting Alison Ketabchi.

Summer program 

Offers: 26 

Acceptances: 18 (plus 28 returning 1Ls from 2024) 

Baker Botts' summer program aims to give summer associates the “opportunity to work on real and meaningful client work; participate in training relevant to their level and experience; learn about our firm, its culture and long history; and engage with our lawyers in both professional and casual, social settings.” Summers select their work and projects based on their practice area interests. The “cornerstone” of the program is Baker Weekend, where all summers come together for a weekend of training, presentations and “fun!” There are also other regular events where summers can “explore the city and foster professional relationships, with our lawyers and each other, that will last long after graduation.” Summers who return to the firm as junior associates are assigned to departments based on their preference, decided after sampling a variety of work during their summer program. 

Top tips for this stage: 

“I’m a serious person, I like to get my work done and the party atmosphere is not something that reached out and grabbed me. During my summer, Baker Botts seems family-oriented and down-to-earth.” – a junior associate.

“Impressions formed during the summer program carry through the student’s career. While they may not yet possess the experience or practice area knowledge, they can demonstrate attributes that will make people eager to work with them, now and in the future – positive attitude, willingness to step in and help, dedication, follow through, and follow-up to see what else can be done to help.”– director of recruiting Alison Ketabchi.