Lateral Look: Baker Botts

Thanks to its artisanal blend of energy and technology expertise with a long history in the Texan legal market, juniors at Baker Botts can truly have their cake and eat it too.

Baker Botts Lateral Profile 2025

Given BB’s history in the Lone Star State, you’d be correct in thinking that energy is one of its key strengths, alongside tech and life sciences. As such, the “caliber of work and top-tier talent” was one of the main draws for our interviewees and this reputation is confirmed by our colleagues at Chambers USA. Here, the firm picks up dozens of rankings, celebrating best-in-class recognition nationwide for its expertise in international arbitrationenergy transition, oil and gas litigation and projects. At home in Texas, the firm scoops up top marks in regulatory and contentious oil and gas and electricityappellate and securities litigationIPreal estate and tax, while its DC office is awarded for its work in environment. To sum up, “Baker Botts is an energy firm, but DC, New York and California aren’t exactly the same,” according to one insider, though “the tech and environment work is truly awesome.”

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…

“While Baker Botts is more known for its energy and Texan bona fides, what is less well-publicized is that Baker Botts has a well-regarded full service antitrust group.  The group allows you to fully explore all aspects of antitrust practice, whether it is merger clearance, litigation, or counseling. The current make-up of the group also means that associates work closely with partners and can benefit from one-on-one mentorship and development.”

“I liked how the partners and associates that I interviewed with stressed their work life balance and asked about my interests outside of work. The interviewees also emphasized the learning opportunities that I would be presented with. Also, I valued joining a smaller practice group so that I can get first-hand experience early in my career.

“I chose Baker Botts because of its scale, unparalleled expertise, and the incredible opportunities it offers. The firm’s global reach and depth of knowledge across various practice areas provide an environment where I can contribute meaningfully while continuing to grow professionally. The opportunity to collaborate with highly skilled colleagues at Baker Botts on complex, impactful matters was a key factor in my decision, as it aligns with my ambition to deliver exceptional results for clients and stay at the forefront of legal innovation.”


 Career Development & the Path to Partnership

 

12

1.2 : 1

65%

partners made in 2024

associate : partner gearing

of associates intend to make partner

73%

60%

85%

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: 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

12

43.3

billable hours
target

average number of vacation days associates took in one year

average number of hours associates worked in one week

77%

68%

57%

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

 

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?

 

84%

90%

84%

were happy in their current role

agreed the work they received was of the right quality

felt that they chose the right firm

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

“Baker Botts has a great culture and treats their associates well.  It's a collaborative environment that fosters a great place for learning. The more senior associates are very helpful and always willing to help out the more junior associates. They also look out for them and find them good opportunities. This environment and truly the group of people that work at Baker Botts are the reason I chose Baker.”

“There’s a mix of high-level work and approachable mentors willing to train me and give me early opportunities to test my skills.”

“The culture includes a willingness to give associates substantive work early on.”


  Pro Bono

 

undisclosed

78%

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: Gerald Groff (religious liberty); Texas Menstrual Equity Coalition (women’s rights); The Woodlands Pride, Abilene Pride Alliance, Extragrams, 360 Queen Entertainment, and Brigitte Bandit (LGTBQ+ rights); Susannah Nix and the McCormick Estate (music); Jane Doe (LGBTQ+ rights).


 Contact

Learn more about opportunities at the firm

Recruitment contact: Megan Lacy, Senior Recruiting Manager
Corporate and Litigation
+1.214.953.6978
megan.lacy@bakerbotts.com


Sarah Velvin, Recruiting Manager
Global Projects and Tax
+1.214.953.6961
sarah.velvin@bakerbotts.com


Stephanie Roth, Recruiting Manager
Global Projects and Intellectual Property
+1.212.408.2696
stephanie.roth@bakerbotts.com