Associates are feeling the magic at global “unicorn” Morgan Lewis: a Philly native with a broad practice focus and a strong emphasis on inclusion.
Morgan Lewis Lateral Profile 2025
Morgan Lewis’ prestige is simply undeniable. One insider admitted that early on, it was “definitely on my radar.” But the strong culture at the firm meant that for many aspiring associates making their decision, “rankings actually didn’t matter when it came to imagining how it would be working with people side-by-side.” Selfishly, we’d insist that they matter at least a little bit – especially looking at Morgan Lewis’ track record in Chambers USA. Standing top of the podium for bankruptcy/restructuring, capital markets, corporate crime and investigations, corporate/M&A, employee benefits and executive compensation, energy, international trade, investment funds and labor and employment (*takes deep breath*), there’s nothing this superstar can’t do! Just ask its associates: “I love this firm. My group is incredible, and it’s really about the people and the clients. I’m super proud of where I work; there’s a reason I’m here.”
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 was impressed with the depth and breadth of employment work at Morgan Lewis. When Fortune 500 companies need advice about a novel issue in the workplace or plan to engage in complex litigation, they call Morgan Lewis.”
“It had top-tier lawyers and clients in a city where I wanted to live. I met great people during my interview, and the firm has a commitment to associate growth and pro bono.”
“Morgan Lewis provides exceptional service to a roster of clients on the leading edge of all industries, including technology. Based on my past experiences, I chose Morgan Lewis, because it offers a great environment for learning and development.”
Strategic Recruitment Focuses 2025
Litigation careers
The view from the firm: Morgan Lewis litigators advocate vigorously for clients in courts and arbitration forums across the United States and in virtually every global jurisdiction. Our lawyers regularly serve as international trial and co-coordinating counsel in high-profile, complex matters and provide risk avoidance counseling and aggressive dispute negotiation.
Litigation clients:Tivoli Audio, Boston Globe Media Partners, 480 McClellan.
Recent work highlight: The firm represented New-Indy Containerboard in its defense against a claim by Resolute Forest Product arising from Resolute’s sale to New-Indy of a paper mill for $260 million.
Labor & employment careers
The view from the firm: The firm’s labor and employment lawyers counsel US and global companies on a range of matters including workforce expansions or reductions and litigation involving everything from hiring and dismissal practices to unions and regulatory and legal compliance.
Intellectual property careers
The view from the firm: The firm’s IP practice encompasses lawyers—many with advanced science or engineering degrees—who handle patent prosecution, trademark and copyright protection, counseling and opinions, transactions and due diligence, and litigation across the United States and around the world, including before the International Trade Commission and major global arbitration venues.
Intellectual property clients: Bausch Health, The Aerospace Corporation, Chegg.
Recent work highlight: Secured picture-perfect victory for Canon by persuading the PTAB in six separate proceedings to find all challenged claims of six patents asserted by Slingshot Printing unpatentable.
Life sciences careers
The view from the firm: The firm’s labor and employment lawyers counsel US and global companies on a range of matters including workforce expansions or reductions and litigation involving everything from hiring and dismissal practices to unions and regulatory and legal compliance.
Life sciences clients: Merck, Cigna Health and Life Insurance, Xencor.
Recent work highlight: Advised Xencor – a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing engineered antibodies for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune disease, asthma, and allergic diseases – in a highly watched matter in which the USPTO’s Appeals Review Panel agreed that a means-plus function format could be used to claim antibodies.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
24 |
1.2 : 1 |
66% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
70% |
56% |
78% |
||
| 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: Our firm is proud to offer associates the Morgan Lewis Institute that nurtures ongoing professional skills training based on our core competency model. Beyond this foundational support, we facilitate one-on-one coaching with a focus on strategic career planning and practice management/professional skill development. We are also very intentional in how we bring associates together from around the world at critical junctures in their careers for our firmwide Associate Academy. Our New Lawyer, Midlevel, and Senior Associate Academies focus on the professional skills critical to an associate’s success at each stage in their career and cover topics such as client service and development, management skills, leadership, engagement, and well-being. Importantly, these academies offer both the chance to learn and to connect with one another to build and deepen relationships among peers, partners, professional staff, and even our client alumni.
Hours & Compensation
|
no requirement |
12 |
49.4 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
74% |
74% |
78% |
| 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
*The firm does not disclose salaries beyond this point.
The view from the firm: Morgan Lewis encourages our associates to be fully engaged in the practice of law, with our clients, and with our firm. This includes both billable and non-billable contributions such as unlimited pro bono hours and up to 50 inclusion hours available to all attorneys.
Is Morgan Lewis the right firm for you?
|
77% |
81% |
77% |
|
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 firm is known for its uniquely collaborative and supportive work environment, for colleagues who truly care about one another, and for the powerful, innovative solutions we create for our clients every day. We know that Morgan Lewis is an exceptional place to work, and we’re looking for exceptional people to join us.
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“I love my team members and the lawyers at this firm stay for a long time.”
“The firm culture prides itself on excellent service, engagement, and working creatively with your peers. Each person at the firm has a role to play to bring it success. There is a positive mindset at the firm that isn’t found at other BigLaw firms. The people are genuine, and the work is diverse.
“It’s an environment that fosters collaboration, respect, and support from partners and other associates.”
Pro Bono
|
61.7 |
95% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: Individual survivors of domestic violence (domestic violence); National Veterans Legal Services Program (veterans); The EdLaw Project (children with disabilities).
Sustainability & CSR
The view from the firm: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP participates annually in the All Legal Industry Sustainability Standard (ALISS) assessment, focusing on sustainability, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and innovation. We proudly hold a Platinum rating for our sustainability efforts.
Our global ML Sustainability Working Group, comprising over 80 members from various roles and departments, regularly meets to assess and improve sustainability practices, share knowledge, and drive environmentally friendly initiatives.
We promote an eco-conscious workforce by offering a hybrid work program and incentives for mass transit. More than half of the buildings we occupy have LEED certification at Platinum, Gold, or Silver levels. Additionally, all our US offices participate in the EPA Energy Star program, achieving strong ratings across the board.
In 2024, Morgan Lewis conducted its first carbon accounting process and developed a carbon emissions report. We also participate annually in CDP and EcoVadis assessments. We are proud members of the Legal Sustainability Alliance and Stanford Law School’s Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy Initiative.
For more information, read our Responsible Business Report.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Hillary Maropis, Senior Director of Legal Recruiting and Partner Integration