“One of only a handful of firms that specializes in these kinds of practices,” Foley Hoag has settled itself "on the cutting edge."
Foley Hoag Lateral Profile 2025
There’s no getting past it, when it comes to the international law and investor-state arbitration space, Boston’s Foley Hoag remains “one of only a handful of firms that specializes in these kinds of practices.” Those were the thoughts of our interviewees at least, and it’s clear that it was a significant part of the draw. So too was the fact that the firm has built a reputation for “always being on the cutting edge.” Foley Hoag bags top Chambers USA rankings in environment and energy and natural resources in the firm’s home state of Massachusetts, along with a top insurance nod in Colorado. There is also acknowledgement of the firm’s international arbitration offering nationwide.
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 Foley Hoag for its strong reputation of professionalism and its collaborative atmosphere. I was particularly drawn to the firm's commitment to high standards in client service, while fostering an environment that encourages teamwork and mentorship. The opportunity to work alongside highly skilled colleagues, who are both supportive and dedicated to excellence, made it a clear choice for me.”
“It offered high profile patent litigation with a better work life balance than other BigLaw firms and a collegial and friendly working environment.”
“I felt like it gave me the best opportunity to work at a firm where I would gain hands on, substantive experience early on in my career, work with smart, kind, and well-rounded people, and work somewhere that reflected my personal values (service, equity) and valued community engagement.”
Strategic Recruitment Focuses 2025
Careers at Foley Hoag
The view from the firm: The firm is committed to growing our market-leading practices across departments with particular focus on the innovation industries such as life sciences, clean energy, emerging companies/venture capital, technology, and cannabis, as well as our disputes practices such as IP litigation, white collar and commercial litigation, and international litigation and arbitration representing sovereign states.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
16 |
0.95 : 1 |
73% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
74% |
64% |
72% |
||
| 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’s Career Development Framework provides a roadmap for associates across all departments and practice areas, delineating performance standards, behaviors and goals that define success at each associate level. In addition to department and practice group legal training, the firm’s Professional Development Core Skills Curriculum provides levels-based professional and practice management skills training programs aligned with the framework.
The firm's Professional Development team offers confidential advising/coaching to attorneys at all levels. All associates also have partner mentors to provide career development guidance and support. In addition, the ELEVATE program pairs every new associate with a partner mentor who supports their integration and helps them build a strong internal network during their first year at the firm. Lateral partners are paired with a senior sponsoring partner and participate in regular integration check-ins to ensure their smooth transition into the firm.
Hours & Compensation
|
1,850 |
15 |
45.5 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
69% |
89% |
45% |
| 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: $250,000
4th year: $295,000
5th year: $345,000
6th year: $390,000
7th year: $400,000
8th year: $415,000
Is Foley Hoag the right firm for you?
|
89% |
91% |
88% |
|
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...
“We are working on complex and interesting transactions, but the partners and senior associates are very approachable. They take the time to mentor and invest in their associates.”
“Foley Hoag has exceptional respect for attorneys who have families and for the individuality of each associate's career path.”
“It offers a combination of an emphasis on high-quality work and positive workplace culture.”
Pro Bono
|
80 |
84%
|
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: Charles Murrell III (civil rights/racial justice); National Veterans Legal Services Program (veterans’ rights, medical retirement benefits); Atlantic Council (gender rights and human rights); Center for Public Representation, Greater Boston Legal Services, and Justice in Aging (disability rights); Afghan Individuals and Families (humanitarian parole/asylum).
Sustainability & CSR
The view from the firm: Foley Hoag has committed to transition its operations to net-zero emissions by 2050, and to integrate climate change considerations into its legal services and client advice regarding decarbonization goals. The firm has joined the Net Zero Lawyers Alliance (NZLA), a global network of law firms dedicated to providing net zero-aligned legal services and driving systemic development of commercial law in alignment with the transition to zero emissions by 2050.
Contact
Recruitment contact: Associates and patent professionals: Heejin Choi, Senior Manager of Associate Recruiting
Partners and counsel: Chia Kang, Associate Director of Lateral Recruiting and Strategic Growth