With ample opportunities to work across real estate, corporate and litigious practices, this East Coast outfit combines “the best of both the mid-sized and the major firms…”
Goulston & Storrs Lateral Profile 2025
“I was looking for a firm based on vibes, and I found the vibes I wanted,” joked one junior when asked why Goulston & Storrs was the one. So, what’s the Goulston vibe? “It tries to get the best of both the mid-sized and the major firms and combine it into one Boston-based real estate firm,” explained one associate. While Boston indeed remains the main base of operations, Goulston also has offices in New York and Washington, DC but, according to our sources, tries to keep a “one office” feel and maintain that Boston culture in its other bases. The firm’s expertise extends far beyond its real estate roots too. While Goulston bags top Chambers USA real estate rankings in Massachusetts (including for the sub-practice of zoning/land use), there are also impressive accolades across practices like bankruptcy/restructuring, litigation and environment. That’s on top of recognition for its real estate practice in DC and nationwide. The firm also ranks highly for private wealth law in Massachusetts in the Chambers High Net Worth.
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…
“Goulston is the most prestigious real estate firm in the Northeast and one of the most prestigious real estate firms in the country. The firm offers the opportunity to do sophisticated work on complicated transactions with some of the best real estate lawyers in the country.”
“The firm has an excellent reputation in the city as a top tier real estate firm that still manages to treat everything within the firm better than most of its BigLaw peers.”
“I am interested in real estate law, and I love that real estate is a core component of the firm's practice. I feel I can learn about all aspects of real estate law from people who are enthusiastic experts in their sub-specialties.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
2 |
0.7 : 1 |
77% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
77% |
77% |
86% |
||
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with childcare/caregiver responsibilities | felt partnership was achievable at the firm | agreed partners are nurturing future leaders |
||
Hours & Compensation
|
1,850 |
15.3 |
46.7 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
57% |
93% |
33% |
| 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
*The firm does not disclose salaries beyond this point.
Is Goulston & Storrs the right firm for you?
|
73% |
93% |
87% |
|
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...
“Goulston attorneys deservedly have the reputation of being some of the nicest in the Boston legal market, and probably in the industry as a whole. Work life balance matters, growth matters, and although I've always had a distaste for "teamwork" as a buzzy concept, I have experienced the best examples of teamwork in working on deals with my colleagues in the corporate group.”
“I chose Goulston & Storrs for two primary reasons. First, the people are kind and genuinely care about each other on both a personal and professional level. The people at the firm take the time to get to know you and are always willing to lend a helping hand (or point you in the direction of someone better capable of assisting).”
“The firm has a combination of sophisticated work, a collegial culture, reputation for investing in associates, and a commitment to pro bono.”
Pro Bono
|
undisclosed |
83% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Jennifer Smith
jsmith@goulstonstorrs.com