Want to work at a firm that’s expanding its reputation in all things tech? Don’t Seattle for anything less than Perkins Coie!
Perkins Coie Lateral Profile 2023
Perkins picks up high Chambers USA praise in for its IP expertise across Washington and California in particular, while its startups and tech know-how collects nationwide recognition. Seattle is still where the firm receives the most prestigious accolades, with areas like corporate, litigation, antitrust, and labor & employment all receiving top nods. On a nationwide scale, Perkins is a leader when it comes to litigious privacy and data security work, while its political law capabilities are highly regarded.
Perkins has 20 offices across the US and Asia, with Austin becoming its most recent addition in 2020.
View the firm’s Chambers USA rankings
Read the firm’s Inside View feature on junior associate life
Associates say…
“Terrific reputation, great team, excellent pay.”
“Good reputation for being a good place to work in BigLaw, sophisticated clients.”
“Prestige in the mid-size market, salary, access to national work.”
“I was excited about the technology opportunities and heard wonderful things about the firm culture.”
Strategic Recruitment Focuses 2023
Emerging companies & venture capital careers
Emerging companies & venture capital clients: Highspot; Hinge Health; Wyze Labs
Recent work highlight: Perkins Coie represented Hinge Health, a digital MSK clinic, in its $300 million Series D round.
Technology transactions & privacy careers
Technology transactions & privacy clients: Confidential
Recent work highlight: Represented YouTube in its acquisition of exclusive rights to NFL Sunday Ticket.
Privacy & date security careers
Privacy & data security clients: Amazon; Google; Meta
Recent work highlight: Successfully defended an auto manufacturer in a case that alleged violations of the Washington Privacy Act for alleged unlawful interception and recording of texts when a cell phone is connected to a client's entertainment systems. The court granted the motion with leave to amend. The plaintiff accepted the judgment and has appealed to the Ninth Circuit.
M&A careers
M&A clients: CROCS; Microsoft; Zillow Group
Recent work highlight: Represented Crocs in $2.5 Billion acquisition of HEYDUDE.
IP/patent litigation careers
IP/patent litigation clients: Adobe; Google; Viatris
Recent work highlight: Led Super Lighting to a $14 million complete jury trial win in a three-patent case related to LED tube lamp technologies brought against its competitor CH Lighting in the Western District of Texas. The Court enhanced supplemental damages (2X) and the entire recovery for Super Lighting exceeds $31M.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
22 |
1.2 : 1 |
58% |
||
|
partners made in 2022 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
70% |
62.6% |
81% |
||
| 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: Associates who are new to the firm receive professional development and practice-specific programming through our First-Year Associate Academy and focused “bootcamps”. All attorneys have training opportunities in foundational topics like legal writing, time management, well-being, ethics, communication skills, and the business of law, as well as skills specific to their practice area. They also have access to on-demand and self-paced learning and CLE resources. Live, experiential learning opportunities in areas such as business development, NITA deposition and trial advocacy, leadership, and negotiations are available to augment growth. In addition to firmwide offerings, local offices host engagement and training opportunities for their attorneys through a partnership between the Attorney Development Team and local Attorney Development Committees. Mentoring is highly valued and fostered from the start through an orientation mentoring program for lawyers new to the firm; it continues with the firm’s Building Bridges program that enhances professional development and strengthens connections among lawyers within offices, practice groups, and across the firm. Both group and individual coaching opportunities are also available.
Hours & Compensation
|
2,000 |
8.9 |
46.1 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
59% |
69% |
67% |
| agreed they had a good work-life balance |
said the benefits package makes the workload worthwhile |
found the bonus allocation fair and transparent |
Salaries
1st year: $155,000 - $215,000
2nd year: $160,000 - $225,000
3rd year: $185,000 - $250,000
4th year: $210,000 - $295,000
5th year: $240,000 - $345,000
6th year: $245,000 - $370,000
7th year: $250,000 - $400,000
8th year: $255,000 - $415,000
The view from the firm: Associate and counsel compensation includes a base salary and an annual bonus for meeting hours thresholds. The hours expectation for associates and counsel is 2,000. For bonus purposes, those hours must include a minimum of 1,850 client billable hours.
Is Perkins Coie the right firm for you?
|
95% |
96% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work was interesting |
The view from the firm: Perkins Coie regularly hires lateral associates for opportunities across the firm. We are seeking experienced attorneys who are self-starters eager to grow their practice and gain new experience in their chosen area of expertise. We are a collaborative team of lawyers with a passion for technology, problem-solving, and cutting-edge issues. We work with the largest, most sophisticated companies and the most innovative start-ups in technology, media, retail, and other sectors. While we work hard to meet our clients’ needs, we also value critical thinking, collegiality, mentorship, and life outside of work.
We asked survey respondents what stands out about the firm’s culture?
“Good place to work; ability to grow professionally; importance and interest in people.”
“The humility of the partners.”
“Dedication to employee (including staff) well-being and happiness while still performing at a high level.”
“West Coast founded, means a little bit quicker to trends like hybrid work model and less formal dress. More normal to have work-life balance.”
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
84% |
32% |
33% |
||
|
reported strong performance in inclusivity training |
of partners are women |
of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
||
The view from the firm: 1. Perkins Coie has committed to contribute at least $500,000 annually over the next five years to organizations that promote racial equality through legal representation, policy advocacy, and community-based activities.
2. Perkins Coie has also established a fellowship program for Perkins Coie associates to spend one year working in a civil rights organization or other organization that promotes racial equality.
Pro Bono
|
53.1 |
88% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: The Seattle Clemency Project (SCP); Workshop to clear criminal records of soon-to-be college students with The Access Project; Temporary Protected Status and Asylum Applications with Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), Human Rights First, New York Legal Assistance Group, and Casa Cornelia Law Center; National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP); Innovation Law Lab
Sustainability & CSR
The view from the firm: We plan to reduce our carbon and energy use by 40% over the next ten years. Initiatives are being developed to reduce energy use in buildings and to decrease energy use for commuting and travel.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Jean Hadley, senior lateral attorney recruiting manager, jhadley@perkinscoie.com