If it’s an eclectic mix of pro bono and litigious prowess you’re looking for, this firm should be your first port of call.
Arnold & Porter Lateral Profile 2024
The product of a merger between New York’s Kaye Scholer and DC’s Arnold & Porter, A&P today has brought balance to each side's practice strengths - namely the commercial and litigation groups and its DC-oriented government practices. Juniors we spoke with expressed that, while interviewing with firms, “you can be nervous about hiding that public interest motivation,” but with A&P “everyone was interested in telling me about their public interest!” Chairman Richard Alexander emphasized the point that “our identity of being committed to the public good is really what we strive to do in the marketplace,” and that’s reflected in associate responses as well. A whopping 99% of survey responses agreed that the firm is committed to pro bono, with 95% agreeing the pro bono work is meaningful and engaging.
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…
“No big jerks. Strong pro bono commitment and recognition of prior government service.”
“Partners are approachable and willing to mentor, there is much diversity, and the office as a whole is really friendly.”
“Caring about the humanity of the person the firm is hiring, flexibility in crafting portfolio even across practice groups.”
International & Secondment Opportunities
Client secondment examples: Sanofi-Aventis US, Merck, Pfizer, AbbVie, Adobe, Legal Aid
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
16 |
1.5 : 1 |
62% |
||
|
partners made in 2023 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
76% |
50% |
80% |
||
| 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: We are committed to the training and professional development of our associates at every level through focused retreats and regularly scheduled core curriculum programs. For all attorneys, Arnold & Porter offers comprehensive professional development programs which include introductory and advanced training in multiple areas of the law; skills training in the areas of communication, business, management, leadership, and technology; a "real-time" training program that allows junior attorneys to shadow and observe more senior attorneys in daily practice during activities such as client meetings, depositions, and hearings; and a mentoring program that pairs new associates with more experienced associates to aid in the attorneys' integration into our firm on a professional and social basis.
*Partnership track is 8.5 years.
Hours & Compensation
|
2,000 |
12 |
47.3 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
60% |
74% |
81% |
| 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: $225,000
2nd year: $235,000
3rd year: $260,000
4th year: $310,000
5th year: $365,000
6th year: $390,000
7th year: $420,000
8th year: $435,000
Is Arnold & Porter the right firm for you?
|
85% |
91% |
89% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work is interesting |
felt comfortable being themselves at work |
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“Friendliness of people and how family-oriented everyone is; people take weekends off and vacations.”
“Everyone is very friendly and inclusive, and it becomes very apparent that teams are really supportive of one another. A&P doesn't have any internal flighting, office politics or hierarchy. A&P actually treats you as a person, cares for your wellbeing, supports your development and encourages work life balance. I genuinely think that because of the positive atmosphere and strong collaborative environment, the firm does get the best out of people and in turn A&P lawyers provide excellent work for their clients. There is a reason people stay at A&P so long and don't want to swap firms.”
“It’s the progressive, work-hard play-hard vibe!”
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
75% |
33% |
31.7% |
||
|
reported diverse staffing on teams/cases/matters |
of partners are women |
of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
||
Pro Bono
|
undisclosed |
99% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
The view from the firm: Arnold & Porter is one of the eight founding firms of Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy, through which the firm has pledged to dedicate at least $2 million worth of pro bono work to matters involving sustainability by the end of 2023. Our “Green Office Committee” has taken many steps to improve resource conservation and sustainable business practices firmwide, with most US offices attaining LEED Gold status.
Sustainability & CSR
The view from the firm: On Earth Day 2021, Akin Gump launched Always Green – the firm’s own sustainability program, with commitment from the highest levels of firm leadership, and involvement from partners, other lawyers, and members of business services at all levels globally. Always Green’s major milestones include:
- Engaged Carbon Intelligence to analyze our carbon emissions, including Scope 3 emissions, and help us make a science-backed plan to reduce them;
- Partnered with Stanford’s Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy, which matches non-profits and start-ups working in the field of environmental sustainability with law firms providing pro bono legal services; and
- Launched the Sustainability Internship program for undergraduate students with environmental studies concentrations.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Find out more about how to apply here