Lateral Look: Axinn

Want to be at a boutique with some of the biggest IP and antitrust matters? Take this as your call to Axinn.

Axinn Lateral Profile 2025

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.

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…

“Axinn is an elite antitrust practice that entrusts immense responsibility in its junior associates, which fast-tracks the growth process and enables substantive participation in the nation's largest antitrust litigation and merger matters.

I chose Axinn due to its expertise in antitrust deal work, which allows it to attract a much higher volume of high scrutiny matters than my prior firm. It also offers many more senior antitrust attorneys to learn from, and offers more antitrust-specific resources (subscriptions, CLEs, conference attendance, etc.) than any other firm I know.

Axinn is renowned for its expertise in antitrust law, and because Axinn provides opportunities for substantive experience early in its associates' careers. 


Strategic Recruitment Focuses 2025

Careers at Axinn

The view from the firm: Axinn is focusing on antitrust, intellectual property, and high-stakes litigation, our extensive teams in the U.S. possess deep knowledge and client-side experience across a range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, life sciences, and consumer products.

 


 Career Development & the Path to Partnership

 

1

undisclosed : 1

62%

partner made in 2024

associate : partner gearing

of associates intend to make partner

62%

57%

96%

felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with childcare/caregiver responsibilities felt partnership was achievable at the firm agreed partners
are nurturing
future leaders

 

The view from the firm: At Axinn, continuous learning is central to our culture. We believe in nurturing the next generation of legal talent through comprehensive, ongoing training and mentorship programs.

Our training focuses on the development of key competencies, tailored to the needs of junior and mid-level associates, and includes:

  • Litigation skills and legal writing for junior and mid-level associates
  • Trial advocacy for mid-level to senior associates
  • Substantive practice group training on current legal issues and developments
  • Marketing and business development training for all attorneys

We prioritize personal and professional development, offering early access to training in both legal and business development skills. To support this, we provide a yearly allowance for business development. Mentorship is a key component of our associates’ success. Each associate is paired with both a junior and senior attorney to help them navigate firm life, career development, and day-to-day challenges.


Hours & Compensation

 

2,000

15

52.5

billable hours
target

average number of vacation days associates took in one year

average number of hours associates worked in one week

56%

88%

75%

agreed they had a good work-life balance

felt like they could take vacation/annual leave on their own terms

found the firm's claims around bonus allocation to be authentic

 

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 Axinn the right firm for you?

 

96%

96%

92%

were happy in their current role

agreed the work they received was of the right quality

felt that they chose the right firm

The view from the firm: At Axinn, we seek attorneys with exceptional credentials and experience from leading law firms, particularly in antitrust, intellectual property, and complex commercial litigation.

We also welcome applications from attorneys at the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Competition who are interested in joining our antitrust practice.

Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...

“The partners there are willing to give associates chances to take on and lead substantive workstreams and tasks (e.g., depositions, summary judgment) in a way that was not strictly locked to hierarchy or seniority; if you asked for it, you generally got the opportunity (and sometimes would get recommended for the opportunity). “

“My firm maintains an inviting atmosphere that allows me to take on opportunities that larger firms typically withhold from junior associates.”

“Axinn is an elite boutique with respect to antitrust law and high-stakes litigation. The firm pays top dollar (market rate) but is tight-knight and specialized. It's a rocket ship for your career but also a great environment full of extremely bright, passionate attorneys. The matters are also challenging and a wonderful opportunity to get hands-on experience.


Pro Bono

 

63

80%

average pro bono
hours 
per US attorney    

agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity

Pro bono highlights: Various social justice organizations, Social Justice Pro Bono Initiative; Representation of seven clients in asylum (immigration); Appeal for veteran benefit claims; Mayito Guzman (civil rights claims).


 Contact

Learn more about opportunities at the firm

Recruitment contact: recruiting@axinn.com