Axinn - The Inside View

For firms operating in the BigLaw arena, carving out your own slice of the pie is no small feat. Competition for work is fierce, and you’re up against some real legal behemoths. But this hasn’t fazed Axinn, a DC based boutique that has found a strong foothold in three main practices: IP and antitrust (which both have a strong focus on litigation), and complex commercial litigation. For one in-the-know source, joining the firm “was a no-brainer.” Why? “Axinn has massive clients. I wanted to go where the action is, to contribute substantively in some way shape or form, and learn from the experts on the biggest and best cases!” they enthused. Indeed, a quick glance at Chambers USA and Chambers Global confirms this, as the firm bags accolades for antitrust and general commercial litigation, holding its own among some of the biggest and most prestigious firms in the world.

“I wanted to go where the action is, to contribute substantively in some way shape or form, and learn from the experts on the biggest and best cases!”

For many juniors, being at a boutique was an irresistible feature. “The advantage, as everyone knows, is the smaller teams and having access to great work and opportunities early on. On my first day, I was getting assignments and working with partners” a junior confirmed. In a similar vein, another shared: “it might be shallow, but they pay well like the big firms on the Cravath scale. And unlike them, you get exposure to a lot more work.”

For many, that winning combo was sealed through the interview process, which shed light onto the firm culture and the people they’d be working with: “It was a genuine conversation, they were respectful and didn’t treat you like you know nothing just because your younger.” One source added, “during that process, they promised close mentorship.” Axinn’s juniors are spread across all four offices: Hartford, San Francisco, with DC and New York hosting the most.

Strategy & Future

“Our clients continue to work with us on their most important matters, some of their biggest deals and most challenging disputes,” managing partner Jeny Maier proudly tells us of the past year. Maier highlights a particularly notable example which “includes the recent Google trial over their digital ad technology brought by the Department of Justice in the Eastern District of Virginia – one of the emblematic matters of this year!”

Keeping the good things coming, Axinn recently underwent a rebranding, Maier explains: “it was undertaken with a lot of thought put into it, speaking to both internal and external stakeholders. We see it through our key values: we’re invested, we’re inquisitive and we’re inclusive.” Contributing to the overarching strategy of organic growth, the rebrand will help to “grow our client base by making sure that we are being thought of by the clients we’re best positioned to serve,” Maier observes. But equally, she explains that the firm wants to continue: “to be a destination for high quality legal talent,” too. In pursuit of this, the firm welcomed its largest ever fall associate class in 2024, as well as three new partner promotions in antitrust.

What else is on the cards? Well, the headline news for 2025 is the New York HQ is moving to… the Rockefeller Center! Maier details, “This is something we’re very excited about. Our new space has been thoughtfully designed to emphasize collaboration and operating in the new way of working which we really like.”

The Work

Most juniors could be found in antitrust, with the rest in IP and litigation. Work is assigned through staffing partners specific to each group. “Once you’re staffed on a matter, the partners allocate the work you get,” onejunior clarified. Another elaborated: “Things naturally come from the partners, you get into a natural flow with the work, in a sense it feels uninterrupted.”

Starting with Axinn’s antitrust practice, this group handles M&A transactions, litigation, cartels and investigations, and counseling. While juniors are able to explore their own interests in this group, importance is placed on experiencing both litigation and transactions as “if you want to advance having that experience is crucial,” one insider noted. One helpful source provided some insight into how transactional work goes: “A client will ask, ‘can we do that?’ We’ll do the strategy and market evaluation for their product and competition.” Associates “then help them file the HSR (the regulatory form required for large transactions) and with any second requests they get slapped for – there’s lots of interaction with the SEC and DOJ.” On the litigation side, the work usually involves “defending clients sued under the Shearman Act for anti-competitive practices.”

“…seeing those facets come together for trial was like watching a team sport; Axinn likes team players!”

Reflecting on their experiences, another junior shared, “I’ve done a lot this last year and seeing those facets come together for trial was like watching a team sport, Axinn likes team players!” From being on longstanding multi jurisdictional matters to more routine ones, interviewees got to try their hand at anything from legal research, a bit of doc review, participating in client calls, and picking up the pen to draft briefs and motions, deposition questions and outlines. Some even highlighted acting as second chair too. All in all, interviewees agreed: “There’s lots of opportunities to get involved early on and build that knowledge base.”

Antitrust clients: Thermo Fisher, Stanley Black & Decker, First Advantage Corp. The firm serves as counsel for Google’s ad technology business, including as co-lead counsel for Google in separate lawsuits brought by the DOJ, Texas-led state attorneys general and various class action and direct-action plaintiffs.

The intellectual property team stands out in its own right, with extensive experience in the federal and state courts nationwide, the International Trade Commission (ITC), and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). There are 30 specialized attorneys in this group (roughly half of which have advanced technical degrees under their belt). They tackle everything from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to consumer products, bio-tech and technology companies. However, patent litigation tends to be the principal focus.

Juniors roll up their sleeves and get involved in “legal research, presentations, patent analyses, drafting discovery responses, expert reports and motions.” One junior reflected: “my opinion has been sought after. You have a seat at the strategy table and play an active role in everything you are a part of.” It’s worth nothing that this practice overlaps a great deal with antitrust work as well.

Intellectual property clients: Unilever, Tyson Foods, RBC Bearings. Successfully represented Hobby Lobby and Orly in an investigation at the ITC involving trade dress and other allegations brought by Crocs related to its clog design.

The litigation practice is relatively smaller, with just under ten attorneys on the team. Similar to the intellectual property group, litigation has lots of crossover with antitrust matters. The work encompasses a range of commercial disputes, from contracts to multidistrict litigation and class action defenses. For example, the team won a complete victory for Reed Smith and one of its partners in a malpractice and breach of duty case brought by rapper 50 Cent. Additionally, they successfully defended chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen in a high-profile $100 million lawsuit over cheating allegations.

One insider provided a breakdown of their work, explaining they handle “each phase of document discovery, depositions, preliminary judgments, and motions to dismiss.” Junior associate tasks vary depending on the size of the dispute, but newbies can expect to be doing research and targeted doc review for deposition questions or document production. Being able to have that range of experiences “was invaluable being able to see what is happening after having prepared for it,” one junior praised.

Litigation clients: Florida Association of Realtors, WEX Health, Nurture (subsidiary of Danone). Acting as lead counsel for Alvogen in connection with lawsuits related to the marketing, sale, and distribution of opioid products pending in state and federal courts.

“… I feel comfortable talking about my future and they’ve given me the resources to succeed.”

Career Development

Reflecting on Axinn’s efforts on professional development, one interviewee quipped “it’s the benefit and the curse of being at a smaller firm – there’s more opportunities to prove yourself!” Besides the induction training and lunch & learns, insiders praised the National Institute for Trial Advocacy: “They put together a mock trial over three days to hone the skills needed for trial and litigation,” in addition to a deposition training program.

From the get-go, newbies are paired with an associate and partner mentor. Though, many found additional informal mentors who were readily available: “Unofficially, I have other mentors who have their doors open to me. I feel comfortable talking about my future and they’ve given me the resources to succeed.” These relationships helped associates build business acumen early on, from article writing, client pitches, participating in panels, and using their networking budget to attend conferences. Plus, associates benefit from up to 50 creditable professional development hours.

Looking ahead, juniors agreed that partnership was somewhat attainable and transparent: “When you join there’s an assumption you could stay to become a partner, but the serious conversations about the path happen once you hit 5th or 6th year.” If partnership is not on the cards, sources noted that transitioning into an in-house role or government agency is viable option.

Hours & Compensation

Billable hours: 2,000 target

“I wouldn’t trade the experiences for less hours, the experience required those hours – it’s supercharged my career.”

As for hours, insiders admitted it can be very busy at times, with some billing ten to twelve hours a day. This didn’t faze one insider, who shared, “I wouldn’t trade the experiences for less hours, the experience required those hours – it’s supercharged my career.” That said, a couple of interviewees mentioned that the firm is mindful to burnout, especially after intense periods: “It’s possible to have a balance and set boundaries here.”

With this in mind, most juniors felt the billable target was “very achievable,” particularly since it could be topped up with up to 150 hours of non-billable credit for things like pro bono and activities which promote the development of the firm, such as marketing, business development, recruiting, professional development leadership, and initiatives that foster inclusivity, belonging, and fairness. As for compensation, sources were satisfied with the market salary and bonus structure. Associates receive a market bonus if they hit their target, and “if you do work hard, there’s an above market bonus!” While the number isn’t exactly clear for extra bonuses, juniors suggested that with merit bonuses “every 200 hours, there’s a bump up.”

Culture

Being a smaller firm, a real sense of togetherness and approachability was how associates defined the culture: “People tend to come into office, it helps with mentoring, getting to know each other and being invested in the work.” Reflecting on what keeps things positive, another mused, “it’s probably an informal policy, but we don’t hire or elevate people who are mean. Being in law things, can be demanding and this makes things a lot better!” Another source highlighted the camaraderie amongst teams: “Unlike other places where everyone eats lunch at their desk, that hasn’t been my experience here at all people grab lunch together.” After all, it’s the little things that can make the difference! Interviewees mentioned that friendships often extend beyond the walls of the office.

Looking at the broader picture, associates felt a cohesive culture firm-wide. “It doesn’t just feel like you’re just in this office,” explained one source, attributing this to working together on matters and quarterly inter-office socials, like enjoying a Yankees game together. Speaking about associate-organized socials, one insider praised, “I like attending those as it’s a great time to bond.”

Giving us the rundown of the social calendar, juniors mentioned attending basketball and football games, participating in charitable events such as runs/walks, enjoying happy hours and afternoon teas. They highlighted that the summer program is packed with lots of activities too, so there is plenty going on!

Inclusion

Juniors were satisfied that “the firm has the right intentions, goals and ideas,” when it came to inclusion. Sources felt that representation was good at the associate level: “it seems representative at the junior levels – almost half are women.” Another insider highlighted positive change at the partner level: “It’s changing with the promotion of women and minorities. It’s a lot more diverse, making them feel encouraged, welcomed and wanted, to stay.”

The firm has an active committee dedicated to workplace culture and opportunity initiatives and recently introduced employee resource groups (ERGS), such as the Asian American and Pacific Islander group, AxinnPride, Black Organization for Leadership and Diversity, Jewish Employee Resource Group, and the Women’s Initiative Network. These groups were seen as a positive step for “building networks for people, celebrating and educating.” They also helped to foster a sense of support across the firm, one junior noted, “it’s been encouraging attending these events and feeling supported by all levels of seniority.”

Sources also appreciated that participation in these activities can be credited, as “people do care, but often it’s hard balancing billables.” Group events starts as early the summer program too; one interviewee told us, “We visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture – that was credited to us, encouraging a lot more people to go.”

Pro Bono

Associates unequivocally agreed that Axinn encourages and supports pro bono participation, especially as 100 of these hours count towards their bonus. “It’s looked on very well! We receive multiple emails a week with various opportunities” one junior praised, adding, “You can even bring in your own matters.” From immigration and asylum, employment, veterans and prisoners’ rights matters, there are plenty of good causes to get involved in.

Not only is it “fulfilling work,” but for ambitious associates, it presents the chance to develop their skills and take on more responsibility: “There’s the opportunity to take the lead of pro bono cases.” We heard, “There have been some federal court cases which they’ve brought associates onto” as well. An insider divulged, “You can go beyond the cap if you have it approved as an ‘significant experience opportunity,’” such as presenting an oral argument in court. What’s more, efforts are celebrated in quarterly pro bono meetings and there are awards too!

Pro bono hours

• For all US attorneys: 3,980
• Average per US attorney: 63

Get Hired 

The first stage: recruitment on and off campus

OCI applicants interviewed: 159 (OCI only) 

Interviewees outside OCI:  31 (fairs, candidate outreach/referrals) 

Axinn conducts OCI at 15 schools, attends several job fairs and participates in resume drops at several additional schools each season. At each location, interviewers meet with up to 22 students. The firm plans to attend the following job fairs and is open to considering others: NEBLSA, BC/BU Washington DC Recruitment Program, Bay Area Diversity, Lavender Law and the Loyola Patent Fair. Additionally, Axinn participates in Google’s Legal Summer Institute, a unique in-house and law firm experience where 2L law school students are invited to spend the first week of the program at Google followed by a full summer internship with an outside counsel law firm. 

Interviews are conducted by partners, counsel, or associates who are often alumni of those schools. Hiring partners at the firm tell us interviewers look for “bright, motivated and team-oriented” individuals who have a demonstrated interest in one or more of the firm’s practice areas: IP, antitrust and litigation. Candidates will be asked behavioral-type questions, such as describing a situation where they proved to be a reliable teammate. 

Top tips for this stage: 

“Having a summer internship at the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, or the state equivalent of those goes a long way to demonstrating an interest in antitrust.” – a junior associate 

“We look for someone who’s interested in what we’re interested in. When big decisions come out of the DC Circuit, people here are tracking it. Not just because our work is in it, but because we’re interested in it and love it.” – a junior associate 

Callbacks 

Applicants invited to second-stage interview: 41 (OCI only) 

Successful candidates are invited to five half-hour interviews with partners and associates. Here, interviewers will be gauging “candidates’ ability to think analytically, their interest in our practice areas, and their fit within a team-oriented work environment.” Hiring sources continue, saying that “candidates should be prepared to discuss one of their writing samples in detail, examine legal issues they have studied or analysed from all angles, and provide examples of how they embody the attributes we value.” 

Top tips for this stage: 

“They like to see there’s some real intellectual interest in antitrust. My interview was a lot like that – they were making sure I had the chops!” – a junior associate 

“Be knowledgeable, be passionate, be engaged, be yourself.” – hiring partners Ted Mathias, Leslie Overton, Dan Oakes, Brian Johnson and Craig Reiser 

Summer program 

Offers: 25 (OCI and other recruiting methods)  

Acceptances: 9 

Successful candidates are hired directly into their desired practice group in the firm’s summer program, which will run for ten weeks from mid-May to mid-July. Summer associates typically get work assignments within their respective groups, but there can be opportunities to work on projects outside of their group as well. Work is assigned by the recruitment staff, but attorneys at the firm can also assign tasks directly. 

Summer associates are assigned two mentors and get regular training programs. Social events range from virtual smaller team-building events to larger office-wide programs. The firm’s summer associates can expect to travel to other offices and have ample opportunities to attend depositions, court hearings and trials. Summer associates receive offers directly from their chosen practice group, and they tend to stay in that group throughout their career at Axinn. 

Top tips for this stage: 

“We encourage summer associates to seek out opportunities of interest, such as working on particular matters of interest (including pro bono opportunities) and sitting in on depositions.” – hiring partners Ted Mathias, Leslie Overton, Dan Oakes, Brian Johnson and Craig Reiser