Best in class for antitrust, M&A and litigation, this big-name New Yorker provides a Cra-vast range of opportunities for associates looking to jump in headfirst.
Cravath Lateral Profile 2025
How does the saying go… the best things in life come in threes? Well, for one associate who joined Cravath, it was all about “the attention to detail, hard work and the environment of perfectionism in the culture.” Another added, “I wanted a firm in New York with corporate strength, loved the rotational system and knew the strength of the Cravath brand name.” For others, it was “the choice, the high caliber of the lawyers and the prestige.”
In its hometown of New York, it’s recognized as the best of the best in antitrust, corporate/M&A, environment, general commercial litigation, securities litigation, corporate media and entertainment and tax. Nationwide, Cravath also scores big in capital markets and banking and finance.
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…
“I chose my firm due to the short partnership track, emphasis on training, and the rotation system. It appeared that the more junior associates got more responsibility faster than other firms.”
“Cravath offered all the power and prestige of a giant firm with a smaller headcount than its peers. I liked that I could reasonably meet every other attorney at the firm and hoped that the environment would help me build meaningful relationships.”
“In my view, it’s the best firm in the US, with the best combination of prestige, early responsibility, quality of work, and strength across multiple practice groups in both litigation and corporate.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
5 |
3.5 : 1 |
69% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
43% |
44% |
69% |
||
| 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: In addition to the hands-on training associates received through the rotation system, we also offer a robust internal training program with substantive legal courses as well as sessions on professional skills all taught by the firm’s partners. Our legal curriculum covers a broad range of skills, topics and legal issues across all departments and junior associates participate in mock negotiations and mock depositions in a workshop format. The professional skills sessions are sequenced to address associates by seniority, and include a multi-part management series.
In addition to the formal training program, career development at Cravath is supported through our Associate Advisor Program, which pairs an incoming associate with a more experienced associate for their first year at the firm, as well as our Partner Mentor Program, which pairs an associate who has completed a year at the firm with a partner who will serve as their mentor going-forward. From second year on, associates participate in our review process and receive both an oral and written review annually to further their development.
Hours & Compensation
|
no requirement |
15 |
54 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
58% |
77% |
74% |
| 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
*The firm does not disclose salaries beyond this point.
Is Cravath the right firm for you?
|
90% |
94% |
91% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed they 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...
“The culture is respectful and professional, and everyone I worth with is as kind as they are intelligent.”
“Not only are my colleagues some of the best lawyers in corporate law, but they are also some of the best people I have ever met.”
“The opportunity to gain substantive experience in a dynamic environment is invaluable to my professional growth. Additionally, the firm's culture of collaboration and the quality of its people really stand out to me.”
Pro Bono
|
61 |
81% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: Incarcerated individuals; Children’s Hospital Project; Building and assisting organizations/nonprofits (tax, real estate, intellectual property); NYU Veterans Legal Service Project, City Bar Justice Center’s Veterans Assistance Project (advocacy for veterans).
Sustainability & CSR
The view from the firm: The firm complies with all applicable legal requirements and seeks to incorporate best practices for energy and water efficiency, resource conservation and waste management into its business operations. The firm seeks to protect natural resources, including using sustainably sourced paper that meets the global forest management standards for the Forest Stewardship Council and is certified by the Rainforest Alliance. The firm encourages the reuse and recycling of its materials, including by recycling all wastepaper and reusing cardboard boxes where possible.
In addition, Cravath’s New York and Washington, D.C. offices are in buildings certified by Energy Star and LEED. The Firm’s New York office building, Two Manhattan West, plans to offset all electrical consumption with renewable hydroelectric power.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Lisa A. Kalen, Chief Legal Recruiting Officer
lkalen@cravath.com
(212) 474-3215