True to its name, Shearman delivers Sterling contentious and transactional work from New York to the world.
Shearman & Sterling Lateral Profile 2023
*In May 2023, Shearman & Sterling announced its plans to merge with Allen & Overy, one of the UK's most prestigious magic circle firms. Read more about the news here.*
The firm is a Wall Street OG, founded by two litigation and transactional attorneys some 150 years ago. Initially representing the likes of industrialist Henry Ford and financier Jay Gould, Shearman built longstanding relationships with the world’s biggest banking corporations, including Citigroup and Deutsche Bank. Make no mistake, though. There’s more to this firm than finance. Our sister guide, Chambers USA, has awarded Shearman a grand total of 18 rankings across the New York and nationwide categories. The top accolades go to its nationwide mining and metals practice and Texan corporate and commercial group.
If international work is on your mind, Shearman & Sterling should be at the top of your list. The firm is headquartered in New York, but has a further six US offices and 18 more internationally. Coincidentally, the firm’s also picked up 18 rankings in the Chambers Global guide.
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…
“Growth opportunities; overseas experience; personnel.”
“Because of S&S’s strong presence in Latin America.”
“Excellent pedigree, good quality of work, and the nicest people.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
12 |
2 : 1 |
31% |
||
|
partners made in 2022 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
73% |
46% |
80% |
||
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with children | felt partnership was achievable at the firm | agreed partners are nurturing future leaders |
||
Hours & Compensation
|
2,050 |
11.5 |
49.3 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
70% |
70% |
65% |
| 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: $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
Is Shearman & Sterling the right firm for you?
|
88% |
93% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work is interesting |
We asked survey respondents what stands out about the firm’s culture?
“Merit-based opportunities.”
“Strong emphasis on mentorship.”
“Everyone has a pleasant personality, and even the most important partners are approachable, polite, and responsive.”
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
79% |
23% |
46% |
||
|
reported strong performance in inclusivity training |
of partners are women |
of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
||
Pro Bono
|
54 |
92% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: The Nature Conservancy/Blue/Other Bonds; PILPG/Ukraine
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Trevor Mathews, director of legal recruiting, Trevor.Mathews@Shearman.com