Boasting an array of funds, corporate, and white-collar expertise in its Dech, associates at this global powerhouse are sure to be dealt a good hand.
Dechert Lateral Profile 2025
It’s no secret that the firm’s got a varied hand when it comes to practice area strengths. Take it from our sister guide, Chambers USA, who decorates the firm with over 15 top tier awards for practices ranging from hedge & mutual funds to white-collar crime & government investigations. On its home turf of Pennsylvania, Dechert picks up top praise for its antitrust, intellectual property, product liability litigation, real estate finance, tax, corporate/M&A & private equity, and general commercial litigation expertise. Nationwide, it’s the firm’s capital markets, corporate/M&A, product liability & mass torts, toxic torts, and registered funds practices which claim top spot. Dechert also picks up a smattering of rankings across a number of its other national practices, but you’ll have to visit chambers.com for the full picture.
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…
“Dechert is a leader in the financial services industry, but also the other lawyers are generally very kind and invested in professional growth and mentorship.”
“I liked the mix of practice areas, the global interconnectedness of the firm, the specific office culture of the San Francisco office.”
“I heard a lot of great things about the firm, I had a positive interviewing experience, and then I really enjoyed my time as a summer associate. I wanted to be at a DC firm that would give me a lot of transactional experience and Dechert was a great fit for that.”
International & Secondment Opportunities
Common secondment destinations: Paris and London.
Overseas career development opportunities (view from the firm): Associates are welcome to participate in secondments on an as needed basis. Additionally, the firm honors associates working from other Dechert offices on a case-by-case basis.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
10 |
1.6 : 1 |
62% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
66% |
51% |
73% |
||
| 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: Critical Skills Institute including programs focused on communication, client relations, management and leadership; Multi-day immersive business skills training program for mid-level associates at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania; Future Leaders Program and Business Plan Advisers for senior associates; Practice Group Training in Substantive Law; In-house executive coach; Firmwide Mentoring program; Innovation Certificate Program; Dechert Speaker’s Society; Global Associates Committee; Associate Ambassador Program; Actionable Allyship and Inclusive Leadership Training.
Hours & Compensation
|
1,950 |
9.7 |
49 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
77% |
85% |
83% |
| 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
Is Dechert the right firm for you?
|
78% |
75% |
78% |
|
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: Dechert offers lawyers the opportunity to work on some of the most interesting and challenging legal matters for leading corporations and financial firms. Our approach is to judiciously present our people with assignments that draw out their strengths and stretch their boundaries.
As a top firm for financial services and high-stakes litigation, our clients are leaders in their industries. We advise a broad range of financial institutions and private investors on complex transactional and regulatory matters, as well as many of the world’s leading global corporations and other entities on a broad array of issues and disputes.
We pursue our clients’ goals with multidisciplinary global practice teams, led by some of the most acclaimed lawyers in their fields. Excellence is our watchword. Accordingly, we recruit lawyers who want to challenge themselves through complex, cutting-edge legal work in a highly collaborative environment that provides extensive training and mentorship and offers its lawyers the experience needed to become experts in their field. At Dechert, our attorneys are trusted and empowered to do their very best work.
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“The people here are incredible; everyone is super collegial and friendly. The environment here fosters the spirit of collaboration and encourages personal connections on top of just doing good work. Additionally, the people here respect each other's boundaries. That's why everyone here has a wonderful life outside normal daily work.”
“From the outset, it was clear that the firm prioritizes the professional growth and well-being of its attorneys. The collaborative culture here encourages open communication and mentorship, allowing for continuous learning and development. Additionally, the firm provides ample resources and support systems, ensuring that every team member can thrive and succeed. This nurturing atmosphere not only fosters individual success but also strengthens our collective ability to deliver outstanding service to our clients.”
“Dechert is a genuinely supportive and welcoming environment where everyone wants each other to succeed. The culture feels sincere and collaborative.”
Pro Bono
|
89 |
87% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: Education Law Center; Philadelphia’s Eviction Diversion Program (housing rights); National Veterans Legal Services Program (veterans benefits); Freedom Now (advocating for prisoners of conscience); Advocates for Human Rights (human rights/death penalty).
Sustainability & CSR
The view from the firm: Dechert remains committed to taking steps to mitigate the firm’s global footprint. Our three-pronged approach to sustainability includes: energy conservation; waste and pollution prevention; promoting employee awareness of environmental concerns.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Marelys Sosa (U.S. Lateral Recruiting Contact)
Senior Lateral Recruiting Manager
recruiting@dechertcareers.com
+1 212 649 8793