If patents and IP litigation compel, you’ll want to cast at look at Cali-born experts Irell.
Irell & Manella Lateral Profile 2025
Few firms emanate quiet luxury better than the SoCal local, who has just three offices and a headcount of just under 70. The firm’s focus on the West Coast narrows its scope, with a clear focus on patent litigation and intellectual property. Irell earns high praise from Chambers USA for its nationwide intellectual property practice, which, when you consider the firm’s only got three US offices (Century City, Newport Beach, and DC), demonstrates just how much of a punch it packs.
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 liked that there were ample opportunities to engage in substantive work right off the bat, and I liked the small-firm atmosphere, and the above-market compensation.”
“It’s an elite litigation shop. It seemed less corporate, less fungible, and more idiosyncratic (in a good way!) than other firms. And I liked its size – everyone knows who everyone is.”
“The firm handles complex matters and provides benefits comparable to “big law” but in a more boutique atmosphere.”
Strategic Recruitment Focuses 2025
Careers at Irell
The view from the firm: Irell & Manella seeks to hire lateral associates, including judicial law clerks, in each of our offices (Los Angeles, Newport Beach and Washington D.C.). Our goal is to hire the most talented attorneys in the nation. We pay non-differential compensation at the top of the market, which in recent years has included year-end associate bonuses exceeding those paid by other top firms.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
2 |
0.96: 1 |
88% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
88% |
75% |
100% |
||
| 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
|
2,000 |
9 |
47.7 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
78% |
75% |
100% |
| 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: $260,000
4th year: $310,000
5th year: $365,000
6th year: $390,000
7th year: $420,000
8th year: $435,000
*The firm does not disclose salaries beyond this point.
Is Irell & Manella the right firm for you?
|
90% |
100% |
100% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed they 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...
“The culture of the firm is very inclusive – everyone is friendly here.”
“There is an emphasis on mentorship and cultivating talent within the firm. The firm has a very collegial, friendly, and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.”
Pro Bono
|
undisclosed |
100% |
|
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: Alanna Cowan, Chief People Officer