Lateral Look: Baker Botts

Shoot your shot with Baker Botts, a famed Texas energy giant with technology expertise to boot.

Baker Botts Lateral Profile 2024

“Baker Botts is part of the fabric of Texas history,” an insider proclaimed, “I vividly remember going back to the office lobby and seeing the history hallway with all these different docs and artifacts – which was really cool!” Indeed, the Lone Star State is steeped in rich history, and its legal market is no exception. So, it's no surprise that energy is a fundamental part of Baker Botts’ strength: “I paid close attention to that reputation – it holds true to this day,” an associate declared. But BB is by no means a firm stuck in the past, and one IP source highlighted the firm’s tech practice: “It’s a rarity to be able to work on both prosecution and litigation. I’ve enjoyed the ability to see both sides.”

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Read the firm’s Inside View feature on junior associate life

Why did you join your firm? Associates say…

“Collaboration and team-based mentality.”

“More laid-back culture than others.”

“Associates are extremely friendly and helpful.”

 

Career Development & the Path to Partnership

 

12

1.2 : 1

61.5%

partners made in 2023

associate : partner gearing

of associates intend to make partner

83%

53%

93%
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: The firm strives to provide a comprehensive approach to professional development and career advancement through (1) on-the-job experiential training through work assignments; (2) a comprehensive mentoring program to provide associates with informal, continuous, real-time feedback; (3) in-house training programs and external professional development opportunities; and (4) a formalized feedback and yearly evaluation process.

 

 Hours & Compensation

 

2,000

8

44.4

billable hours
target

average number of vacation days associates took in one year

average number of hours associates worked in one week

79%

62%

69%
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

 

The view from the firm: The firm has an annual 2,000 billable hour requirement, which can be met by performing client billable work, pro bono work, or management approved non-billable work.

 

 Is Baker Botts the right firm for you?

 

86%

93%

92%

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...

“People seem genuinely happy and proud to be here.”

“My practice group's culture is very respectful and treats everyone like a person. There’s little to no yelling or belittling, or anything like that.”

“It’s super family-friendly!”

 

 Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing

 

69%

27%

33%

reported diverse staffing on teams/cases/matters

of partners are women

of associates identify as ethnically diverse

 

The view from the firm: Baker Botts offers a series of training programs, both online and in-person. In 2023, the firm offered an “Inclusive Leadership” workshop series for all partners focused on (1) understanding how to move the needle in relation to diversity, equity, and inclusion, (2) promoting a culture of inclusion and belonging, and (3) identifying and interrupting unconscious bias. The firm also launched a series of e-learning modules addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. The first set of offerings addressed creating an inclusive culture and understanding privilege, allyship, and belonging. For 2024, the Diversity & Inclusion team aims to bridge the gap between attorneys and professional staff members by offering training opportunities relevant to both and delivered to a mixed audience. Topics for 2024 include communication across differences, understanding and navigating invisibility disabilities, and intersectionality. 

The Diversity In Action Sponsorship Program pairs high achieving mid/senior level associates with influential partners with the goal of ensuring that attorneys from all backgrounds have access to sponsorship and client opportunities. The pilot round of the program launched in 2023 and was a resounding success, so, the DEI team will be launching a full round of the program in mid-2024.         

 

 Pro Bono

 

47.9

77%

average pro bono
hours per US attorney    

    agreed the firm is committed to pro bono

 

Pro bono highlights: Gerald Groff (religious liberty); Texas Menstrual Equity Coalition (women’s rights); The Woodlands Pride, Abilene Pride Alliance, Extragrams, 360 Queen Entertainment, and Brigitte Bandit (LGBTQ+ rights)

 

Contact

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