“BigLaw-level work” with “a reputation for being a nice place with nice people,” litigation specialist Jenner & Block “punches above its weight class.”
Jenner & Block Lateral Profile 2025
Based out of Chicago but with offices across the US, Jenner & Block is a firm where junior associates can get involved in almost any industry you can think of – media & entertainment, energy, environment, insurance, real estate, technology, education, aerospace, telecoms, food & beverages, transport, the list goes on. “I liked that the firm was a fair bit smaller than a number of its peer firms doing the same level of work,” one junior associate told us, “it’s often said that Jenner punches above its weight class.” Something else that sources at the firm were quick to highlight was the fact that Jenner has “a reputation for being a nice place with nice people. It was interesting to me how often that was spoken about, even just by law students talking about their interactions with recruiters at the firm.” The firm’s commitment to pro bono and social justice was also a popular talking point with plenty of opportunities available alongside more traditional billable obligations.
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 Jenner & Block for its culture, its commitment to pro bono and serving the community, and its reputation in the investigations and compliance space.”
“I chose the firm due to its reputation as a litigation powerhouse and because of its regional reputation. I knew that I would receive the best training with experience practitioners at the firm that has a value set that aligns with my own.”
“I wanted litigation expedience in an environment where I could build my lawyering skills while working on exciting/interesting projects. Culture was also very important to me – I wanted to do challenging work with smart, professional, and pleasant people.”
Strategic Recruitment Focuses 2025
Careers at Jenner & Block
The view from the firm: Jenner & Block is always on the lookout for great talent. We regularly hire top candidates from across the legal profession and value lawyers who bring a variety of experiences, skills, and approaches to their practice. As specifical lateral needs arise, we post open positions on https://www.jenner.com/en/careers and our LinkedIn page.
International & Secondment Opportunities
Common secondment destinations: US and UK
Client secondment examples: We frequently second lawyers to clients as we see the long-term benefits for our clients, our lawyers, and the firm. Our partners and associate have gained invaluable experience and built strong relationships with clients by working on secondments. We work closely with our clients to determine the best fit and structure for any secondment and we recognize there is no “one-size-fits-all” arrangement. We have done full-time secondments for six months or more (to cover an employee on leave or during a search for a new employee), as well as part-time secondments for a few weeks (to handle discrete tasks or a temporary absence). We have had secondments to clients in many industries including technology, media, and entertainment.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
9 |
1.25 : 1 |
65% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
79% |
61% |
77% |
||
| 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: No one does career development like Jenner. Our goal is to develop the whole lawyer by helping you have the skills, conversations, and mentorship you need to flourish. Every lawyer here participates in a comprehensive development program focused on giving you a panoply of legal and professional skills – at the right time and the right level – whether you’re joining as a first year, leading and managing teams as a senior associate, or joining the partnership.
Hours & Compensation
|
1,950 |
13 |
48.7 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
59% |
80% |
87% |
| 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 did not disclose salaries beyond this point.
The view from the firm: Full-time associates have an annual target of 1950 billable hours, at which point they are eligible for a discretionary merit bonus. An additional “super bonus” will be considered for contributing more than 1950 hours.
For bonus purposes, the firm will credit up to 100 hours of approved non-billable work towards the 1950-hour threshold, after which all other meaningful contributions will be considered in determining additional “super bonus” amounts.
The firm offers the option of reduced billable hour targets. Associates with a reduced billable hour target participate in the annual review process and can receive merit bonuses and true-up of bonus and salary if they exceed their budget. Those above 75% of annual target billable hours are eligible for promotion to partner.
Is Jenner & Block the right firm for you?
|
87% |
89% |
87% |
|
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: We’re looking for intellectually curious, driven individuals who thrive in a collaborative, high-performance environment. We welcome candidates with strong academic credentials, sound judgment, and a genuine interest in tackling complex, high-stakes matters for top clients. Jenner values those who are committed to excellence, eager to learn from top lawyers, and invested in both client service and team success.
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“I value a firm where people excel at their jobs but are also kind and understanding of one another. I like the culture at Jenner, particularly the DC office, which is very collaborative.”
“I chose Jenner & Block because it affords me the opportunity to do great, high-quality work with incredibly smart, talented, genuine, and authentic people. The firm truly cares about associates and associate development, and takes diversity very seriously.”
“Even before I become a summer associate, the current lawyers at the firm were so warm, open, and educational at law school events. I appreciated their thoughtfulness on interesting legal issues and their kindness towards someone just starting out in their legal career.”
Pro Bono
|
185 |
93% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: Compassionate release work with the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project, immigration work for a client who fled India after being persecuted by local authorities for his opposition to caste-based discrimination, corruption, and oppression of the poor; work with Her Justice to provide legal support to families and individuals in crisis.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Heather Conrad, Director of Firmwide Legal Recruiting
hconrad@jenner.com