If you want a firm that “isn’t afraid to back down” and has a longstanding reputation in bankruptcy and litigation, then you certainly can’t miss out on Brown Rudnick.
Brown Rudnick Lateral Profile 2024
“Brown Rudnick isn’t afraid to back down or shake things up,” an associate happily explained when asked to describe the firm. “It’s always had a type of grit attitude that I really like.” It’s a reputation that has certainly seen Brown Rudnick earn its fair share of screentime, as one associate summarized: “we’ve had a lot of publicity because of the Johnny Depp trial, but I’ve always viewed the firm in the context of bankruptcy as an elite firm.” When it comes to the associate experience, interviewees pointed out that “Brown Rudnick is a sophisticated BigLaw firm, but it is smaller. So, by design, associates get more opportunities. You show up to do the work and you get the work!”
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 dynamic/diverse set of clients and issues handled by the firm”
“Strong commitment to remote work and relative approachability of partners.”
“The firm wants people to succeed. They want younger lawyers to move up. The firm is very transparent about what it takes to become a partner. Each month they have a "connection day" at each office where lawyers are encouraged to visit in order to connect with lawyers at different offices. I've never heard of anything like this before.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
9 |
0.68 : 1 |
78% |
||
|
partners made in 2023 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
78% |
74% |
82% |
||
| 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 are paired with partner and associate advisors to help navigate their career at the firm. There are also various mentorship programs, including the Diverse Attorney Working Network “squads” program, that provide access to career development. The Professional Development team provides advice and guidance on staffing decisions to help associates find meaningful work that they are excited about. The firm also provides transparent elevation criteria to guide associates on the necessary metrics and expectations. Brown Rudnick is focused on building a culture of learning, and hosts trainings throughout the year in both substantive legal areas as well as skills like business development. CLE requirements can be fulfilled through the firm’s subscription to PLI and Hotshot as well as firm hosted trainings. Brown Rudnick also provides access to Write.Law and other various writing resources. Associates have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the firm, including the Associate Liaison Committee and affinity groups.
Hours & Compensation
|
1,950 |
14.5 |
50.7 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
59% |
56% |
70% |
| 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 1,950 “eligible” hours. Eligible hours are made up of billable, pro bono, business development, firm defense, and DEI leadership hours. A minimum amount of billable time must be met to be bonus eligible. Associates qualify for enhanced bonuses if they meet additional hours targets and are rated performance ratings.
Per the Firm’s hybrid working policy, attorneys and business professionals are in the office Tuesday through Thursday. Alternative work schedules are approved by management.
Is Brown Rudnick the right firm for you?
|
83% |
83% |
78% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work is interesting |
felt comfortable being themselves at work |
The view from the firm: Brown Rudnick is strategically focused on our business pillars – life sciences, technology, global litigation, brand and reputation management, and crisis management (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.
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“How embedded teamwork is in the culture.”
“We’re a close-knit group with full transparency and collaboration.”
“It’s a really friendly environment, and the firm has a strong commitment to pro bono work and diversity.”
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
67% |
21% |
38% |
||
|
reported diverse staffing on teams/cases/matters |
of partners are women |
of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
||
The view from the firm: In 2023, Brown Rudnick hosted its inaugural Diverse Attorneys Retreat that had representation from each office Firmwide. It was a two-day retreat that involved professional and business development workshops, a keynote speaker, and a community service initiative. Our DAWN Squads Program was re-launched with a revamped format adding in partner level coaches and a structured curriculum. At the end of this year, we expanded inclusion to all four Firm affinity groups to business professionals. This includes an opportunity for an elected leadership position for each affinity group.
Pro Bono
|
38.7 |
89% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: Jane Doe vs. Department of Children and Families (family law); Lawyers Alliance for New York (small businesses); Boston University Center for Antiracist Research; Project Citizenship (immigration); Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance vs Town of Holden
Sustainability & CSR
The view from the firm: In 2023, Brown Rudnick was awarded the Planet Mark certification, an internationally recognized symbol of sustainability progress for firms that are committed to measuring and reducing carbon emissions. Brown Rudnick engages an internal team of 38 “sustainability champions” across all six of its office locations.We have one of the leading climate technology practices in London and New York, advising clients in electrification of transport, recycling, waste to fuel, smart grid, new batteries technology, solar, wind, and EV charging.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Alexandra Gharghoury, Legal Recruiting Manager, agharghoury@brownrudnick.com