At one of the biggest names in the BigLaw biz, there are very few buckets of work that attorneys at Gibson haven’t Dunn.
Gibson Dunn Lateral Profile 2025
There’s no getting round it: Gibson Dunn is a giant of the legal industry. This LA-native-gone-global boasts ten US offices and another eleven overseas. Not only is it a giant by size, but by reputation too. The firm is well-known for its litigation and trial work, but in reality it’s tough to find an area where GD doesn’t shine. Our sister guide, Chambers USA, gives the firm top markets nationwide for its work in antitrust, appellate law, corporate crime & investigations, outsourcing, real estate and securities litigation – just to name a few!
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 Gibson Dunn for its prioritization of culture and, probably most importantly, unparalleled flexibility.”
“I was attracted to Gibson’s free market system, and its sterling reputation for top-quality work on the most interesting matters of the day.”
“Their emphasis on mentorship and in-person office attendance was very important to me. Additionally, the people were so kind and generous that I knew I’d be well received and mentored to ensure I was give grace while I established my practice.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
29 |
2.6 : 1 |
65% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
77% |
56% |
81% |
||
| 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: Gibson Dunn cares deeply about the professional development of its lawyers and we are very invested in the long-term development and success of our lateral attorneys. The integration and overall development of our associates is critical to the success of the firm and this starts with thoughtful orientations by members of our associates committee, who shepherd the laterals’ integration into their office. It continues with wraparound support, including periodic check-ins with our recruiting and professional development departments, confidential coaching, a dedicated attorney training resource and CLE library, and robust wellness resources. In addition, and most importantly, each lateral is brought in by sponsoring partners who prize mentorship and are structurally incentivized by our free-market system to train and support each lateral attorney.
Hours & Compensation
|
1,950 |
15 |
49.3 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
72% |
85% |
78% |
| 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
*The firm does not disclose salaries beyond this point.
Is Gibson Dunn the right firm for you?
|
92% |
93% |
92% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed they work they received was of the right quality |
felt that they chose the right firm |
The view from the firm: Gibson Dunn is always looking to add top-tier talent to its roster of exceptional attorneys. We look for attorneys who will be accretive to our culture, entrepreneurial within their markets, and additive to the skills that our team brings to bear on cutting-edge matters. We expect lateral attorneys to contribute to our teams from day one, supporting them while doing so, and encourage each of them to act as leaders in their practices.
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“I really enjoyed the people I met, and found that conversation was easy and we could talk about who we were outside of work. It felt like Gibson was a firm that people only left if they were leaving BigLaw, and I wanted a place that I could stay and grow in.”
“I chose Gibson Dunn because it seemed to have the nicest people and the best and most sustainable law culture.”
“Loved the attorneys at the Palo Alto office – all lovely, passionate, kind, and compassionate people. I have yet to meet a jerk at the firm.”
Pro Bono
|
96 |
96% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: Veterans work; constitutional and civil rights; Justice for Women & Girls; criminal justice; advising small businesses and non-profits.
Sustainability & CSR
The view from the firm: We have a sustainability policy that commits the firm to integrating sustainability into our business practices and operating in a socially, environmentally, and economically responsible manner by seeking to promote ethical behavior, manage our environmental footprint, and contribute positively to the communities we serve.
We have partnered with trusted professional networks such as Legal Sustainability Network and Legal Sustainability Alliance, a prominent network of the UK’s leading law firms working together to improve the environmental sustainability of their business.
We have participated in the ALISS (All Legal Industry Sustainability Standard) Assessment twice, in both 2022 and 2023. We currently hold the Bronze Award for our 2023 submission.
Over 80% of Gibson Dunn offices have LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, the world’s most widely used green building rating system.
The firm has partnered with EcoVadis since 2021 to conduct a detailed, action-oriented review of the firm’s supply chain based on 21 sustainability criteria relating to environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.
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