Brown Rudnick is a major league player in bankruptcy and high-profile litigation, without the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry.
Brown Rudnick Lateral Profile 2023
If you keep up with celebrity headlines, there’s a chance you’re already familiar with Brown Rudnick, the firm that represented Johnny Depp in his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard. One of the big names from his trial team, partner Camille Vasquez, recently landed a role onscreen as legal analyst for NBC News. That gives you an idea of what CEO Vince Guglielmotti calls the firm’s “star power.” But it’s not just defamation and brand management that defines Brown Rudnick; this firm’s magic lies in its stellar bankruptcy and restructuring practice, which is nationally ranked and comes out top in Massachusetts according to Chambers USA. The firm is also highly ranked for environment work in Connecticut.
With less than 300 lawyers in total, Brown Rudnick’s largest offices can be found in Boston and New York, but the firm has four more US offices and another base overseas in London.
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…
"Commitment to DEI initiatives; opportunities for growth and advancement."
"For its excellent commercial litigation practice."
"Breadth of practices, experience of the team, opportunities to work with diverse clients."
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
9 |
0.7 : 1 |
40% |
||
|
partners made in 2022 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
67% |
68% |
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: Brown Rudnick associates have partner and associate advisors and receive an annual formal evaluation, which provide upward reviews. Lateral associates recieve mid-year reviews durng their first year at the firm. CLE requirements can be fulfilled through the firm’s subscription to PLI and Hotshot. The professional development team hosts a biannual midlevel associate retreat, focusing on next steps towards partnership. Each associate has an annual expense allowance, which can be used on business development opportunities and home office needs. Associates have the opportunity to lead firm groups, including affinity groups. Our diversity, equity and inclusion team oversees firmwide initiatives that provide career support for diverse lawyers, working closely with recruitment and professional development.
Hours & Compensation
|
1,950 |
11.9 |
53.4 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
80% |
70% |
80% |
| 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: $285,000
5th year: $325,000
6th year: $350,000
7th year: $370,000
8th year: undisclosed
The view from the firm: Brown Rudnick associate salary and bonus structures are lockstep. Associates are bonus eligible after 1950 billable hours. Pro Bono, business development and firm defense count toward the billable hour requirement; there is no limit to the number of hours for those non-billable activities to count toward the billable target. Additional discretionary bonuses are available based on overall contribution to the firm (e.g., hours billed beyond the target, recruitment activities, firm committees).
Is Brown Rudnick the right firm for you?
|
90% |
100% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work is interesting |
The view from the firm: Brown Rudnick is strategically focused on our pillars – life sciences, technology, global litigation, brand and reputation management, and crisis (which includes bankruptcy and white collar investigations). Whether a specific expertise or jack-of-all-trades skillset, lateral hiring furthers best in class services to our clients. The Firm is looking for attorneys who are active participants in their career. Opportunities are available for attorneys at all levels – students, judicial clerks, and associates looking towards partnership.
We asked survey respondents what stands out about the firm's culture?
"The commitment to DEI initiatives; the collaborative work environment and emphasis on helping each other succeed individually and as a team."
"People at all levels are knowledgeable, extremely professional, approachable and take an interest in you as an individual. Opinions and creative thought are encouraged, not stifled. People at every level are highly responsive and willing to help."
"Invested in our mental health and sense of community."
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
100% |
20% |
40% |
||
|
reported strong performance in inclusivity training |
of partners are women |
of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
||
Pro Bono
|
41 |
100% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: Sylvia Rivera Law Project: Name Change Pro Bono Project; Kids in Need of Defense (KIND); Lawyers Clearinghouse CORI Clinic; SFFA v. Harvard and SFFA v. UNC Amicus Brief; Moore v. Harper Amicus Brief
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Alexandra Gharghoury, legal recruiting manager, agharghoury@brownrudnick.com