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

“There’s something special here, there’s something in the water… Skadden is the best decision I’ve ever made. You could double my salary, and I wouldn’t go to another firm,” one associate affirmed when asked what drew them to Skadden. That certain je ne sais quoi could very well be Skadden’s plethora of top-tier accolades in both Chambers USA and Chambers Global. In fact, this New Yorker is so esteemed that we only have enough space to name a handful of its accomplishments. Nationwide, it gets its flowers for antitrust, corporate/M&A, sports law, and securities; capital markets is acclaimed in California; private equity takes the cake in both DC and Illinois… you get the picture. What about in its home state? Litigation in New York is huge for Skadden, as our associates will tell you a little later… 

“Skadden is the best decision I’ve ever made. You could double my salary, and I wouldn’t go to another firm.” 

Until then, insiders shared that positive interactions during the recruitment process sealed the deal for them: “The Skadden people were the only ones who really asked me about my personal life,” one reminisced, “they seemed more relaxed, less buttoned up.” Another confirmed, “I clicked with the people here more than anywhere else. Everyone is so social!” For others, it was about local ties. “I grew up in New York, and Skadden has such a rich history here,” a source stated. 

While Skadden is undoubtedly a Big Apple Native through and through, the firm has stateside outposts from East to West; from Palo Alto to Washington DC, Boston to Chicago, Houston to Century City – and Wilmington too! – while its international offerings include offices in Tokyo, London, and Abu Dhabi. Of these locations in the US, most of the associates on our list were in New York, with DC and Chicago following closely behind. 

Strategy & Future 

Skadden’s new managing partner, Jeremy D. London, explains, “Our practices continue to mainly revolve around M&A, capital markets, litigation, investigations, antitrust, and tax.” But the firm isn’t satisfied with just being present in just one practice area: “Our goal is if we’re in any practice, we want to be a market leader in that practice,” says London, “there’s almost nothing I can think of that a client can’t come to us for, that we can’t serve them with Skadden-level expertise and talent.”

London also tells us that Skadden is investing in its associates: “All first years go through our Associates Comprehensive Education (ACE) program, so they don’t practice for their first several weeks when they get there. Most of that teaching is done by our lawyers, and we use real case studies” to give juniors “a boost before they go into their practice areas.” He adds, “Our new joiners recognize Skadden as a launching pad for their careers. We’re thought highly of as a place to start and for many to continue their whole career here.”

The Work 

Teams are staffed across Skadden’s US offices, giving juniors the opportunity to work on projects with partners across the country whose specialisms are more niche. Most departments have a hybrid approach to staffing, combining a centralized and relationship-based work allocation system. Juniors can approach partners and “express interest directly, which I think a lot of them love because they like that what they’re doing is interesting and cool to associates.” This staffing model was popular with our sources, as “it doesn’t end up that some people are getting too much work and others not enough.” In New York, corporate juniors start off by rotating through two practice areas, spending eight to nine months in each before making a final decision.  

“We really do it all, so it’s a cool place to be if you want to be working on something that’s going to be in the news.” 

Litigation associates loved the variety of their work, as “not having to do the same things day in, day out is a real treat.” Work differs between offices too: we heard that New Yorkers are more likely to be working in a more specialized area than their peers in other offices where litigation departments are more “generalist.” While the firm may be best known for its securities work, it’s also expanding into new areas. For example, we were told that partners in Chicago and New York are developing practices in cybersecurity and data privacy, IP and blockchain and digital assets. Work on algorithmic antitrust class actions (“a novel area”), sports law, white collar defense and investigations, and securities also received shoutouts. “We really do it all, so it’s a cool place to be if you want to be working on something that’s going to be in the news,” an insider beamed. There’s also “a massive need for mass tort associates right now.” To sum it up, “you could really end up on anything, and that’s what’s fun about it!” 

Depending on the nature of the case, juniors find themselves drafting direct and cross examinations for trials, outlining depositions, and prepping and interviewing witnesses. For one source, working towards a trial was a highlight, as “it was fun to prepare for and dig into all the facts.” It’s so varied that “looking at my calendar today, it’s all different… I love it, I love my job!” 

Litigation clients: Six Flags, Unilever, JPMorgan Chase. Defended Apple in an antitrust class action suit related to Apple using Google search in its browser.  

M&A is a “behemoth of a group,” taking up multiple floors in the New York office – and that’s not even counting the many other lawyers across the rest of the US! Although the sheer size of this group might seem daunting, there are opportunities to build close relationships with seniors. “I enjoyed that the deal teams were quite small, even though M&A is the largest corporate group at the firm. That was really positive,” one told us. Juniors are matched with a partner mentor and receive plenty of work from them. “It’s like a first look,” assured one, “it’s not like you have to work on everything.” 

There’s “ample private equity work, especially coming from the London office,” and “public M&A across the board is also very strong.” We also heard there’s been an increase in proxy work and activism, and associates explained, “we’ve been doing a lot of financial sponsors work recently.” This broad range stems from the department’s size: “There are partners who specialize in everything, so there’s always something new to try.” Sources described working for a range of clients in sectors like industrial, healthcare, media & entertainment, tech, energy, finance and FinTech; this includes buyers and lenders, large companies, small businesses, and founder-owned companies. M&A associates also work with lawyers in other practices (such as banking) who frequently provide support on deals.  

M&A clients: Intel, Activision Blizzard, Squarespace. Advising BlackRock on its $12.5 billion acquisition of private equity firm Global Infrastructure Partners, the largest independent infrastructure manager in the world.  

In New York, capital markets is available to juniors as a distinct practice group, while associates in other offices can try out capital markets work as part of a broader corporate group. Insiders agreed, “you really do get a flavor of different types of transactions” here, because seniors try to give juniors exposure to a good mix of debt and equity. So, what does this look like day-to-day? “I’m sending pretty much all the emails to the clients and other firms,” one insider told us. More generally, this associate reported being “in charge of the whole process… I’m liking it so far!” In New York, juniors can work exclusively in capital markets – as opposed to taking on matters as part of a wider corporate group, as is the case in other offices – and the whole department sits together on one floor, so “everyone knows each other really well.” This doesn’t mean the work is small-scale though; clients include investment banks, private equity firms, and government entities.  

Capital markets clients: The Coca-Cola Company, Meta, Burlington Stores. Represented Las Vegas Sands Corp. in a $2 billion offering on its common stock by its principal shareholder, the proceeds then being put towards the acquisition of a majority interest in the Dallas Mavericks. 

Career Development 

From day one, everyone is assigned informal and formal mentors. Newbies have an end-of-year review and, as you might expect, “the more senior you get, the more serious the conversations are moving forward.” Juniors can also meet with a partner to have a chat about their career goals and receive advice. 

“Skadden does a very good job of turning associates into clients. As a result of that, they do a great job of placing associates into companies,” said one interviewee when asked about long-term career progression. As another put it, “the perspective isn’t, ‘you left, you’re a traitor.’ It’s ‘we want to help you succeed.’” What’s more, “we’re just so big that you can do so many different things: clerks, secondments, fellowships… there are so many choices and pathways you can take.” 

“If you’re at Skadden, you’re working on the best stuff.” 

Looking ahead, our interviewees were keen to stay at Skadden: “If I look at what the partners are doing, it’s super interesting. If you’re at Skadden, you’re working on the best stuff.” 

Hours & Compensation 

Billable hours: 1,800 target 

Unlimited pro bono hours, up to 100 hours of shadowing, knowledge management, thought leadership, AI testing and business development, as well as 50 hours of “firm citizenship, recruiting, all that kind of stuff” count towards the billable target. Once associates hit their 1,800 hours, they’ll be eligible for the lockstep bonus. “For how much we get paid? It’s worth the hours!” summarized one insider.  

While we heard that the target is achievable, make no mistake: Skadden’s associates work hard. One junior emphasized, “The last thing I’d want is for recruits to come in thinking this is all daises and a 9-to-5. To have excellence, client service can’t be a 9-to-5.” Sounds intense, but this responsibility does come with certain upsides, as one associate beamed, “Being a 27-year-old and having big companies actually rely on you is cool!” 

Juniors are expected to be in the office Monday through Thursday, and “no one is really here ‘til midnight.” Most of our interviewees reported heading home anywhere between 4.30pm and 6.30pm, logging back in at home if necessary. And weekends? One corporate insider told us that weekend work is “unfortunately fairly typical” due to deal cadence, but the amount of work required varies. 

Culture 

One associate shared that “we have a different kind of culture: you have to be outspoken; be a big personality… but I think they do a good job of recruiting for that.” Another grateful source added, “It’s very welcoming to someone like me who’s not from New York and a posh Ivy League environment. No one cares where you came from and where you summered. People are just happy you’re here!” With Skadden’s 100th birthday still a few decades away, the firm is younger than a lot of its peer firms, so “some of the older partners had relationships with people who built the firm.” As a result, the original ethos of the founders “emanates through. We want to uphold the brand of the firm.” Another source described how “historically, we are the underdogs” due to being relative latecomers to the American legal scene; although times have changed and the firm has grown, “culturally, that has stayed as a throughline. Not only are we prestigious, but we’re also still a dark horse in a way.” 

These days, Skadden defies BigLaw stereotypes in a different way: “I feel like being a happy lawyer in BigLaw is an oxymoron, but my experience here has been exceptional!” This source continued, “I thought by taking the paycheck I’d sacrifice my happiness, but I feel so fulfilled.” Associates credited this in part to the firm’s recruitment process: “The firm does an amazing job of having these classes of associates where everything clicks, everyone is ready to be a mentor or helping hand for you.” On the social side, attorneys have been able to take part in team-building challenges and attend concerts, sporting events and documentary screenings through the firm. 

“Not only are we prestigious, but we’re also still a dark horse in a way.” 

Pro Bono 

Pro bono is expected for junior associates, and “people are willing to take pro bono cases to trial because they know they’ll be rewarded for that with their bonus.” But it’s not just the bonus motivating participation: “When the times get tough, it helps to know we’re also doing pro bono, and we do so much good,” one interviewee explained, “The legal system in the US is so difficult for people to navigate, and it helps to have us in your corner.”  

“Some of the best opportunities you’re going to have come through pro bono,” an associate affirmed, sharing that “one of my colleagues has a ninth circuit argument, and it’s her name on the brief! That brings a lot of pressure, but it makes you a better lawyer.”  

 Pro bono hours 

• For all (US) attorneys: 125,490 
• Average per (US) attorney: 104

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 Northwestern 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, applications open on April 1. 

Many 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. 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. 

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 early as April 1.” 

“The firm encourages those who were not selected for 1L positions to apply again as 2Ls. Many summer associate 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.  

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 2025: 228 (50 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 , 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 momentare 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.”