Baker Botts is the OG Texan powerhouse and serves up generalist opportunities across two main sectors: energy and technology.
Baker Botts Lateral Profile 2023
You don’t get more Texas than Baker Botts: “There are a few powerhouse Texan firms, but Baker Botts is the oldest.” As you might expect from a firm with longevity in the Lone Star State, energy is a big deal at BB, but so is technology sector work. “I was interested in the energy industry,” a source recalled, “but BB’s emphasis on private equity and public company work distinguishes us from other surrounding firms. We have a lot of very sophisticated Fortune 200 clients in Texas.” Another distinguishing factor is the extent of BB’s IP practice: “The firm has a complete practice in this respect, so you can do a mix of litigation, transactional, and prosecution IP work – there are more opportunities for IP lawyers here.”
In its home state of Texas, Baker Botts comes out on top in Chambers USA in areas like IP, litigation, and environment, while its energy, technology, and corporate work is highly regarded. Over in New York, the firm’s white-collar crime practice is notable, while on a nationwide basis BB is a strong competitor when it comes to all things tied to energy and projects work, as well as antitrust and international arbitration matters.
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…
"Reputation in Texas."
"I chose Baker Botts for the high caliber of work and to learn from individuals who were dedicated to their practice of law as well as my professional development."
"Great partners that care about their associates."
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
12 |
1.2 : 1 |
43% |
||
|
partners made in 2022 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
75% |
65% |
100% |
||
| 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: The firm strives to provide a comprehensive approach to professional development and career advancement through (1) on-the-job experiential training through work assignments; (2) a comprehensive mentoring program to provide associates with informal, continuous, real-time feedback; (3) in-house training programs and external professional development opportunities; and (4) a formalized feedback and yearly evaluation process.
Hours & Compensation
|
2,000 |
13.7 |
51.1 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
63% |
63% |
100% |
| 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: The firm has an annual 2,000 billable hour requirement, which can be met by performing client billable work, pro bono work, or management approved non-billable work.
Is Baker Botts the right firm for you?
|
100% |
75% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work is interesting |
We asked survey respondents what stands out about the firm's culture?
"Everyone was very friendly, and willing to discuss goals and best practices. It seemed like relationships went beyond co-workers, and partners are very accessible."
"Passion for associates' growth and training."
"They've got interesting cases and worked hard, but were humane for BigLaw."
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
63% |
27% |
29% |
||
|
reported strong performance in inclusivity training |
of partners are women |
of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
||
Pro Bono
|
41.7 |
75% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: PFLAG (transgender rights); Texas Menstrual Equity Coalition (gender equality); Susannah Nix, daughter of the late Mack McCormick (historical preservation); Lillith Campos and two teenagers (transgender rights); Women's Refugee Commission (transgender equality)
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contacts:
- Megan Lacy, recruiting manager (Austin, Dallas, Palo Alto, San Francisco), megan.lacy@bakerbotts.com
- Stephanie Roth, recruiting manager (New York), stephanie.roth@bakerbotts.com
- Pamela Brantley, recruiting manager (Houston), pamela.brantley@bakerbotts.com
- Shaunta Marshall, recruiting manager (Washington, D.C.), shaunta.marshall@bakerbotts.com