Whether it’s real estate, capital markets or private equity, from a small collection of offices Fried Frank is “competing with some of the biggest law firms in the world.”
Fried Frank Lateral Profile 2024
In the world of BigLaw, Fried Frank offers something relatively unique. A commercial expertise capable of “competing with some of the biggest firms in the world,” but with the draw of a small firm-feel. Not to mention it’s HQ nestled in the bustling New York market. Known for its strong reputation in capital markets, private equity, and real estate, it has been awarded strong nationwide rankings from Chambers USA in all three, with a top-tier nod in hedge funds to boot. In short, FF ticks all the boxes for associates looking for a corporate firm “with a very strong level of practice across all of its groups,” with clients ranging from the world’s biggest companies and financial institutions to investment funds on the cutting-edge.
View the firm’s Chambers USA rankings
Read the firm’s Inside View feature on junior associate life
International & Secondment Opportunities
Overseas career development opportunities (view from the firm): Fried Frank regularly makes secondment arrangements with clients under which associates are assigned to work in-house with a firm client for anywhere from 4 to 12 months. This arrangement offers lawyers an extraordinary platform to improve their legal skills, enhance client relationships and gain a new perspective on legal practice. Fried Frank associates have been seconded to a various institutions, from premier investment banks to Fortune 100 companies.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
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10 |
undisclosed |
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partners made in 2023 |
associate : partner gearing |
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Hours & Compensation
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1,850 |
14 |
47.4 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
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
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
| 19% | 27% |
| of partners are women | of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
The view from the firm: Fried Frank joined Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certification, a U.S. initiative to increase diverse representation in the legal profession and achieved certification in 2023. Participating law firms must demonstrate year-long progress by tracking diversity in senior recruitment and leadership appointment considerations. For those roles, firms must consider a minimum of 30% lawyers from four underrepresented groups (women, underrepresented racial and ethnic lawyers, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities).
Fried Frank launched its fifth Employee Resource Group (ERG), Disability Inclusion Alliance in 2023, which provides a supportive community for employees with disabilities and their allies. Its mission is to build a strong community, provide education on topics related to disability, promote inclusion and belonging, reduce stigma, and improve accommodations and accessibility.
Fried Frank hosted its inaugural Attorneys of Color Retreat in 2023, as part of its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. This retreat brought together attorneys from our US offices for a weekend of networking, professional development, and community building. The retreat featured keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and provided opportunities for attendees to connect with, and learn from leadership and share their experiences with each other.
Pro Bono
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undisclosed |
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average pro bono |
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Pro bono highlights: Fried Frank Civil Rights Fellowship (NAACP LDF and MALDEF); Her Justice (family law/domestic violence externship); Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (eviction prevention helpline); International Association of Women Judges (advice on refugee and asylum); The Veterans Consortium (representation of veterans seeking service connected disability benefits before Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.)
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.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Megan Lesser, Manager of Lateral Recruitment; megan.lesser@friedfrank.com