This Lone Star State native has Tex-excellent offerings across major practice areas and ample opportunities for partnership.
Jackson Walker Lateral Profile 2025
“We continue to prosper, in part, because the state of Texas is doing very well,” Jackson Walker’s managing partner Wade Cooper tells us, “that impacts a lot of things.” Jackson Walker’s practice spans a number of sectors that have been on the receiving end of significant investment in recent years, from real estate to domestic chip manufacturing. The firm has also been involved in national projects around improving the resilience of the national electrical grid. In fact, a fairly significant portion of the firm’s litigation work is at a national level, with past cases relating to the 2020 election, the winter storm of 2021 and natural gas. This wider focus was part of the draw for associates too: “We’re Texas only in location,” one told us, “we’re proud of it, but it doesn’t restrict the workflow, we have international clients, even an international division.”
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Read the firm’s latest feature on junior associate life
Why did you join your firm? Associates say…
“I joined the firm primarily for the people. My colleagues are very engaging, friendly, and enthusiastic about the work we do. I work in a bit of a niche practice group, and it was a great opportunity to learn from the best lawyers in the field.”
“JW really emphasized (and continues to do so) the importance of being able to balance work with family and other personal responsibilities. So far, they've stuck to their word.”
“The culture of JW is unmatched. I worked at two firms prior to joining Jackson Walker and I can say that I've never felt more at home at a job. People here care about you as an attorney, but more importantly, as an individual.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
12 |
0.45 : 1 |
93% |
||
|
partners made |
associate : partner |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
85% |
91% |
91% |
||
| 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: JW associates have extensive latitude in how they build their practice. A broad range of clients and a low associate-to-partner ratio gives associates access to high-value work experience, which is supported by a robust in-house training CLE program and a team of dedicated mentors. Our business development program, built specifically for associates, offers targeted training along with a Business Development Mentor in order to work toward goals as defined by the associate. Our leadership development program helps associates explore their strengths and default behaviors before we teach specific strategies to manage and motivate interpersonal and team relationships, and ultimately, how to excel in community and organizational level leadership. Our Pathway to Partnership Program provides associates with all of the information needed to make a smooth transition into partnership.
Hours & Compensation
|
1,950 |
12 |
47.2 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took |
average number of hours associates worked |
|
83% |
83% |
56% |
| 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 its salaries beyond this point.
The view from the firm: Performance reviews for associate attorneys are conducted twice a year. Our associates have an annual 1,950 billable hour requirement to be eligible for a full benchmark raise, and a 2,000 billable hour requirement to be eligible for a bonus. Associates will receive billable hour credit for up to 50 hours of approved pro bono work. JW offers alternative work schedules and non-partnership track positions. Associate compensation including bonuses are based on performance benchmarks and is not strictly lockstep.
Is Jackson Walker the right firm for you?
|
94% |
93% |
94% |
|
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: Our strategic goal is to provide excellent work product to our clients, and to achieve that objective we look to hire associates who have a strong academic background, a demonstrated work ethic and leadership qualities. We have associate roles ranging from partnership track (including full time and associates on an alternative work schedules), as well as a limited number of non-partnership track positions. We seek to hire associates who will have the ability to become partners.
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“I love everyone that I work with. I have become friends with my colleagues, and I genuinely enjoy working with them!”
“It is BigLaw (with the pay) but has an exceptional culture. The people, from the top to the bottom, make it special.”
“Jackson Walker competes at a very high level and provides the same resources and financial compensation as traditional “BigLaw” firms, but its culture feels more like a boutique firm.”
Pro Bono
|
12 |
75% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: ecclesiastical abstention doctrine (First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs); naturalization clinic (Asian American Bar Association / Houston Volunteer Lawyers); global health and education initiatives (Thaakat Foundation); political asylum (client from the DRC).
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Meghan Pier, Director of Associate Recruiting
mpier@jw.com