Let’s be Frank: Size hasn’t held back this NYC native from rising to prominence in the funds and real estate space.
Fried Frank Lateral Profile 2025
For aspiring associates looking to land at the best in the field, it won’t take too long for Fried Frank to appear on their radar: “FF is a very big name in real estate, especially in New York,” beamed one source. Beyond just hearing about the firm’s stellar work, many noted the positive feedback they received from peers, friends and attorneys about their experiences at Fried Frank. The emphasis on a supportive culture becomes evident as early as the recruitment stage: “The recruiting team do a great job of doing what a summer program should be,” offering the chance to try all sorts of work. As one associate highlighted, “People just really want to see you grow; you get a lot of opportunities."
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 really wanted to join a firm with a strong transactional practice in the DC area.”
“I was looking for a firm with sophisticated legal work and clientele but with good reviews for family and wellness initiatives.”
“I chose my firm because I was interested in real estate law, and I had heard Fried Frank does real estate best. I also knew I would be able to try all different kinds of real estate law - leasing, purchase and sales, lender-side finance, etc.”
International & Secondment Opportunities
Common secondment destinations: Fried Frank associates have been seconded to a various institutions, from premier investment banks to Fortune 100 companies.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
10 |
undisclosed |
64% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
66% |
36% |
62% |
||
| 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 Professional Development Department designs and delivers programs and initiatives for our business services and attorney populations. In conjunction with the firm’s Practice Group Leaders, Practice Management teams and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Department, the Department provides substantive training programs, manages and promotes a comprehensive evaluation system and coordinates general daily legal practice support. Fried Frank offers lawyers meaningful feedback, thoughtful staffing, mentoring programs, coaching, effective practice management and intensive training programs on leadership, business development, project management and effective delegation. At Fried Frank, people are our most important asset. The firm is deeply committed to the continued professional development of our lawyers and business services professionals, including the ongoing expansion of our career development offerings. The firm also has a dedicated Associates Committee that serves to enhance associate life at the firm. Associate Committee meetings allow firm leadership to seek associate input on key issues ranging from firm initiatives and events to work environment and transparency.
Hours & Compensation
|
no requirement |
15 |
44.3 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
72% |
77% |
77% |
| 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 round 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: we offer market compensation determined by a set lock-step system (same base salary for each class year). For discretionary bonus purposes, the firm will consider hours billed, quality of work, business development, overall contributions (e.g., recruitment activities, firm committees) and pro bono hours (up to 300 hours; additional hours may be credited on a case-by-case basis). All associates and counsel must record at least 20 pro bono hours each year to be eligible for a year-end discretionary bonus. All lawyers in good standing are eligible to request an alternative work arrangement. Lawyers who need or desire work schedule flexibility, including defined work hours or days, the total number of hours worked and/or the location from which work is performed, are encouraged to inquire about establishing a flex-time, part-time or other alternative work arrangements. There is no predetermined limit to the time such arrangements may be in place. The firm recognizes that lawyers may need or desire to work on an alternative arrangement for many different reasons, and the firm will consider an alternative work arrangement request regardless of the reason for which it is being requested.
Is Fried Frank the right firm for you?
|
89% |
90% |
89% |
|
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: We are always in the market for top talent. We continue to hire laterally on a strategic basis to support the needs of each department and practice group. We look for energetic, motivated candidates who demonstrate a high level of intellectual ability and creativity, as well as a strong interest in working in a collegial environment.
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“I knew that I wanted to litigate in the Big Law arena, and after working 1 summer at the firm, I found that that the attorneys, partners, and business professionals were very welcoming and eager to help.”
“Good mix between being in a big law firm and having access to incredible clients and deals while also having a work place where people care about each other in a personal level.”
“The people I spoke to during my interviews seemed friendly, honest, and like they were still full human beings outside of their jobs as attorneys.”
Pro Bono
|
53 |
93% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Sustainability & CSR
The view from the firm: many of our clients' third party vendor and outside counsel guidelines include environmental sustainability provisions. Certain of our clients have asked us to agree to their respective sustainability policies. A few of our clients have asked us to provide emissions reporting in order to assist with their commitment to offset carbon emissions in their operations and supply chain.