If you’re looking for BigLaw with a small-firm feel and unlimited pro bono, it’s a no-brainer: head for Kramer.
Kramer Levin Lateral Profile 2024
Beginning with just 14 lawyers and a brave determination to compete with its large New York rivals, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel (or just Kramer Levin to its friends) today is a formidable litigation powerhouse, amongst its many other talents. Kramer Levin’s merger with litigation boutique Robbins Russell in 2022 only bolstered this reputation, establishing an office in DC to join its New York main office, intellectual property specialists in Silicon Valley, and tax experts across the pond in Paris – ooh la la!
View the firm’s Chambers USA rankings
Read the firm’s Inside View feature on junior associate life
Why did you join your firm? Associates say…
“The firm is full of normal and friendly people doing extraordinary work for impressive clients.”
“Everyone and Kramer Levin is incredibly respectful, including of junior associates' time. Work is allocated fairly and arbitrary deadlines are not set. When long hours are necessary to meet a deadline, the work is still meaningful, everyone is contributing at a high level, and everyone's contributions, including that of the junior associates, are recognized and rewarded.”
“Many attorneys stay at Kramer Levin for life.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
2 |
1.6 : 1 |
64% |
||
|
partner made in 2023 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
65% |
43% |
76% |
||
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with children | felt partnership was achievable at the firm | agreed partners are nurturing future leaders |
||
Hours & Compensation
|
1,950 |
12 |
44 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
72% |
69% |
79% |
| 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: $225,000
2nd year: $235,000
3rd year: $260,000
4th year: $310,000
5th year: $365,000
6th year: $390,000
7th year: $420,000
8th year: $435,000
Is Kramer the right firm for you?
|
84% |
84% |
87% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work is interesting |
felt comfortable being themselves at work |
The view from the firm: At Kramer Levin, we regularly seek out and hire qualified lateral attorneys. Whether in response to the needs of existing practice groups or in creating new practice groups to further the firm’s expansion plans, experienced lawyers are welcome to join us in what we consider to be a collegial, unpretentious environment. As a new associate, you will be encouraged to become as well-rounded as possible in your chosen field. Partners will work with you to provide a wide variety of assignments.
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“I think the firm has a more laid-back culture relative to other big law firms, where I feel like the people I work with are genuinely good people, kind, friendly, and willing to help each other.”
“I really do feel like part of a team at KL. Everyone is willing to help out. The extent and importance of pro bono is amazing, and it feels good to be a part of this community!”
“The people continue to be very supportive and encouraging; most of the time, the partners try to help preserve a healthy work life balance.”
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
71% |
20% |
22% |
||
|
reported diverse staffing on teams/cases/matters |
of partners are women |
identify as ethnically diverse |
||
The view from the firm: The firm signed Diversity Lab's disability inclusion commitments and is participating in the 2024 hackathon. We also achieved Mansfield Certification as part of the 2022-23 cohort.
Pro Bono
|
92 |
97% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: Racial Justice Initiative; Brooklyn Legal Services Externship (family law + C6); various pro bono clinics.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: LegalRecruiting@kramerlevin.com