Lateral Look: Holland & Knight

A shining Knight of the sunshine state, this Florida firm has a firm foothold across the US.

Holland & Knight Lateral Profile 2023

With its North American cavalry charged up to 30 US offices, “it seems we’re always in growth mode.”  Like more and more firms in BigLaw, H&K is pivoting outside of the typical legal remit, and zeroing in on the business side of affairs, with 192 of its attorneys named in Chambers USA as leading lawyers for business in America. Holland & Knight also helps to lead the charge in several practice areas – Chambers USA bestows top ranking on the firm in healthcareprivacy & data security, and transportation, and the firm also racks up nods for food & beveragesgovernment relationsNative American law, and oil & gas litigation among its 74 rankings in the US.

View the firm's Chambers USA rankings

Read the firm's Inside View on junior associate life

Why did you join your firm? Associates say…

"Good reputation, good reports from associates, great place to work for my field of practice."

"Based on the number of partners I interviewed with who started their careers at Holland & Knight, it was apparent that the firm really prioritizes attorney retention. Since joining the firm, that has continued to be the case."

"Opportunity for growth/partnership; mentorship; salary."


 

Career Development & the Path to Partnership

 

52

0.6 : 1

62%

partners made in 2022

associate : partner gearing

of associates intend to make partner

92%

73%

83%

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: With input and guidance from the practice group leader, mentor, an internal career coach as well as others, attorneys establish individualized short and long-term goal plans.  The HK Institute serves as the firm's legal training office, providing training for Holland & Knight attorneys and clients, including continuing legal education approved by state accrediting agencies.   The HK Institute also maintains a library of training programs.


 

 Hours & Compensation

 

2,000

10

50.3

billable hours
target

average number of vacation days associates took in one year

average number of hours associates worked in one week

68%

45%

15%

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

 

The view from the firm: Associate base salary (excluding bonuses) is determined by a set lock-step system (same base salary for each class year).  Attorneys may receive billable hour credit for qualifying diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as pro bono related activities.


 

 Is Holland & Knight the right firm for you?

 

84%

79%

were happy in their current role

     agreed the work is interesting

The view from the firm: Holland & Knight seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds with leadership skills, involvement in extracurricular activities and demonstrated commitment to their communities. We look for candidates who have the desire and ethical foundation to be significant lawyers in the firm, in the profession and in the community. We have been very successful in hiring candidates who meet these criteria, and as a result, our firm as a whole reflects these characteristics.

What stands out about the firm's culture?

"Smart, effective lawyers who are level-headed and kind. There's a real emphasis on mentoring and junior attorney's professional development and growth here, and a respect and appreciation for work-life balance."

"The firm was not cut-throat, and everyone seemed friendly. It also seems like pretty much everyone is able to maintain a good work-life balance."

"People enjoy coming into the office; junior associates get real stand up responsibility; the office goes to trial often and has a busy docket."


 

 Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing

 

84%

26%

32%

reported strong performance in inclusivity training

of partners are women

of associates identify as ethnically diverse

 


 

 Pro Bono

 

39.9

82%

average pro bono
hours 
per US attorney    

    agreed the firm is committed to pro bono

 

Pro bono highlights: ABA Project Military Pro Bono Project; Kinds in Need of Defense; Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights; Oregon Justice Center; Boston College Legal Services Lab.


 

 Contact

Learn more about opportunities at the firm

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