With big deals and global capabilities, this corporate heavyweight gets the job done - all Day, every Day.
Jones Day Lateral Profile 2025
Searching for a career that goes the distance? Take a look at Jones Day, where global collaboration is at the heart of everything this firm does. For many of the associates on our list, they were surprised by just how much the firm’s ‘One Firm Worldwide’ motto rings true. “It’s amazing being able to work with everyone, because it’s super collaborative,” one source stated, “We fly to different offices to work together – it’s not something you see super often at other law firms!” In fact, our interviewees reported forming close working relationships with fellow attorneys in all corners of the globe, from London to Australia.
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 Jones Day because I knew the firm had a strong privacy group and global client base. I also heard great things about the firm's culture and mentorship.”
“I was drawn to the New Lawyer Group that allows exploration of multiple practice areas for the first year, while also knowing the firm has a growing practice in the area that I'm most interested in. I felt that the Midwestern and collegial culture was a good fit for my personality.”
“What set Jones Day apart for me was its commitment to fostering talent and supporting the full team. The fact that the partnership took a pay cut during the 2008 recession rather than lay off anyone (including junior associates and staff) demonstrates that the firm is committed to stability and longevity, not short-term gains.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
28 |
1.4 : 1 |
79% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
76% |
74% |
75% |
||
| 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:. Lawyers receive specialized practice area training. Plus, they are eligible to participate in regional training offerings in different global regions combining lawyers from different offices, different graduation years, and different practices. In the US, we offer skills training on depositions, negotiations, motion practice, experts and trials, and our corporate lawyers enjoy programs in finance and accounting and contract drafting. We also train associates in business development, client communications, career development, and well-being.
The firm further invests in the development of its lawyers by its membership in the Practicing Law Institute (PLI) and partners with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA), selecting senior litigation associates to participate in offsite intensive trial programs.
Hours & Compensation
|
1,950 |
12 |
45.7 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
74% |
81% |
30% |
| 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: Jones Day offers associates market-based competitive salary packages, which reflect consideration of both salaries and bonuses paid within each geographic market. Our salary determinations are not lock-step; they are based upon merit, considering an individual's total contribution to the firm and its clients, individual professional development and effectiveness. Jones Day's compensation structure does not incorporate hours-based bonuses
Jones Day has over 30 years of experience with lawyers working a wide range of alternative schedules, and while we do not track the numbers, we know that at any given time, there are lawyers around the firm working alternative schedules. These alternative arrangements are made after consultation with practice group leaders and with the clients' needs and interests in mind.
Minimum Billable hour expectation is 2,000 hours. Credit is given for pro bono work, and there is no limit to the number of hours that will be credited.
Is Jones Day the right firm for you?
|
81% |
90% |
85% |
|
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: As One Firm Worldwide®, Jones Day offers experienced lawyers a superior platform from which to develop their practices. Our global footprint and commitment to cross-practice and cross-office client engagement attracts lawyers who seek a firm that puts great emphasis on a collaborative and team-oriented environment to serve clients.
We continually evaluate the needs of our offices and practices and seek to enhance and strengthen our partner and associate ranks with lawyers who share our commitment to providing outstanding client service.
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“The people at the firm are fantastic to work with and the culture of the firm is genuinely welcoming and collaborative. The bonus system does not promote the same type of hours pressure that my peers at other firms face every year.”
“Jones Day lives up to its reputation of having a Midwestern culture. I witnessed from it day one. Even in New York, the lawyers are friendly and rarely if ever have sharp elbows. I could not ask for better colleagues – they are all incredible bright and down to earth.”
“Jones Day is a firm that shares my values and has many attorneys who, like me, prioritize their family lives, while still wanting to do excellent work.”
Pro Bono
|
undisclosed |
93% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: The Border Project (immigration); Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative (human trafficking); Constitutional Policing and Civil Justice Reform (CPR) Initiative (civil justice); Task Force to Combat Hate Crimes and Extremism (hate crimes); Africa Rule of Law Initiative (rule of law).
Sustainability & CSR
The view from the firm: As a service provider, Jones Day encourages sustainable development processes, primarily in the areas of recycling and energy conservation. The firm has adopted centralized procurement process for many U.S.-based purchases as a means to derive both environmental and economic efficiencies by eliminating packaging waste. Additionally, we support the use of recycled and recyclable paper products. Our leased office spaces are built utilizing modern energy conservation/energy-efficient methods and equipment. Jones Day often consults with our landlords to identify areas for improvement in the Firm’s efficient use of energy. Several of our offices have initiatives to implement single stream recycling. Lastly, we often seek out buildings with LEED or similar certifications when considering new office spaces.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: lateralrecruiting@jonesday.com