If working for a national firm with a reputation for its strong litigation group and inclusive culture is for you, then you should slide into this DM.
Duane Morris Lateral Profile 2024
From Philly to ph-illing out offices all over the US (and globally!) Duane Morris sits firmly amongst the largest 100 firms around the world. For larger firms, it can be tricky to maintain a consistent culture, but for newbies joining DM's ranks, it was the universal backbone of support that was the deal clincher- just call it Duane ‘The Rock’ Morris!With such a strong resume and a bustling collection of enthusiastic lawyers, it’s no wonder associates are starry-eyed for DM: “It’s not just fluff, it’s not just words!” One interviewee even went as far as to invoke the wisdom of a certain ogre when discussing progression at the firm: “Lawyers are like onions – as you progress here, you get layers and layers!”
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…
“The transparency of the folks with whom I spoke.”
“The benefits and emphasis on events and family balance.”
“Many attorneys at the firm spoke about collaboration and collegiality.”
Strategic Recruitment Focuses 2024
Careers at Duane Morris
The view from the firm: Duane Morris offers innovative solutions to the legal and business challenges presented by today’s evolving global markets. We are a leading place to work in the legal industry for associates to advance their legal careers. Over the past century, Duane Morris has earned a reputation for being innovative, creative and forward-thinking in both the practice and business of law. Our expansion has strengthened this reputation, and we understand that our success lies in hiring new attorneys and promoting their professional growth.
The firm's industry initiative (the Big I) provides 14 industries for associate to actively participate with the expectation that you will get involved in executing the business plans, promoting collaboration and cross-selling, and focusing your efforts effectively in a given industry group. We believe participation in the Big I represents one of the most effective and compelling business development channels available for associates, as well as a great way to collaborate with a cross-section of other lawyers across the firm whom you might not otherwise meet. We anticipate that associate contributions to the Big I will be a substantial asset for the firm, and just as importantly, a strong career-building platform for you.
International & Secondment Opportunities
Client secondment examples: Secondment opportunities are considered on a case-by-case based on needs of the firm, clients and practice groups. We have provided such opportunities in the technology, healthcare, financial services, banking, automotive and various other sectors.
Overseas career development opportunities (view from the firm): Secondment opportunities are considered on a case-by-case based on needs of the firm, clients and practice groups among its overseas offices. Associates will be identified by the firm’s Practice Group Heads based on merit, performance and the associate’s ability to represent the firm. The purpose of secondments consider the following:
- Provide associates (or attorneys) with opportunities for short-term regional transfers to gain meaningful work experience aligned with practice focus and to foster intercultural understanding
- Consolidate and reinforce links between lawyers and offices in other regions
- Foster the firm to promote a global mindset across borders while enhancing legal knowledge and expertise and overall quality of our client service
- Address developmental needs of firm lawyers in early to mid years of practice to align with firm’s global aspirations
- Use as a valuable tool to develop professionally and expand horizons
- Expand and develop contacts within the firm’s network
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
13 |
0.65 : 1 |
75% |
||
|
partners made in 2023 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
100% |
75% |
90% |
||
| 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: We invite you to explore what Duane Morris offers its associates, from comprehensive professional development and mentoring programs to support individual knowledge, skills and abilities in three broad categories: legal skills and substantive law, best business practices for the firm and practice development to industry-leading support systems. The growth and development of each Duane Morris attorney furthers the central goals of the firm to provide the best legal services possible, develop and build client relationships, and ensure the stature and reputation of the firm with its clients. Associates are also afforded opportunities to develop legal and professional skills with DM Lead curriculum training targeted at each seniority level and practice group skills-based training aimed at achieving practice group core competencies.
Hours & Compensation
|
1,950 |
11.6 |
48.8 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
75% |
63% |
50% |
| 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: $210,000
*The firm did not disclose its salaries beyond this point.
The view from the firm: Full-time attorneys have a billable hour requirement of 1,950 hours with up to 100 hours of time expended on pro bono work credited toward the billable hour requirement. Duane Morris maintains a competitive compensation and bonus structure based on productivity, performance, quality of work product and firm citizenship. Our Hybrid Work Policy involves the expectation of maintaining a “regular presence in one’s designated Firm office” of at least three days per week and utilizes a flexible approach to attorneys’ work needs in reliance on the trust we have in our attorneys timely serving our clients and contributing to the professional development of other attorneys and staff.
Is Duane Morris the right firm for you?
|
82% |
91% |
88% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work is interesting |
felt comfortable being themselves at work |
The view from the firm: The lawyers who excel at Duane Morris are talented, energetic attorneys with an entrepreneurial spirit who work together to support our unique culture of inclusiveness, congeniality and consensus. We consider our associates an investment in our future and, as such, are committed to providing them with the necessary tools to develop the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the firm's continued success.
We asked survey respondents what stands out about the firm’s culture?
“People in my practice group are generally very nice and supportive. We feel like a team.”
“This firm has a strong culture of mentorship and collaboration between attorneys at all levels.”
“Very friendly, genuine, and emphasis on collaboration.”
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
75% |
27% |
28% |
||
|
reported diverse staffing on teams/cases/matters |
of partners are women |
of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
||
The view from the firm: Duane Morris has attained Mansfield Certification Plus status in 2023 for the third consecutive year.
Duane Morris Trial Partner and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Joseph K. West is the inaugural recipient of Chambers and Partners’ Lifetime Achievement Award: Diversity & Equality. He was selected for his commitment to furthering the advancement of diversity and inclusion.
Duane Morris Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee is comprised of twenty-four diverse partners throughout its US and London offices that have the responsibility of monitoring and mentoring all diverse associates working in the Firm. Once hired, diverse attorneys are provided with every opportunity to grow and advance through the ranks with their non-diverse counterparts.
Each spring, the firm hosts a Duane Morris Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Retreat to examine a wide range of issues that shape diversity and representation in the legal industry. This retreat allows our attorneys to share their experiences at the firm and delve into topics including retention issues, Q&A sessions on matters that affect diverse attorneys and panels on marketing and business development strategies.
Pro Bono
|
42 |
100% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: Women’s Law Project (reproductive justice); Sonita Alizadeh (immigration); Harvard Veterans Clinic (veteran discharge upgrade/women’s rights); The Bridge Project and Teenage Cancer Trust (nonprofit/corporate governance).
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Peggy Simoncini Pasquay, Assistant Director of Legal Recruitment and Relations, Legal Recruitment, and Development – simoncini@duanemorris.com