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 |
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 |
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