If you’re on the lookout for an international powerhouse that is the go-to destination for all things energy, it’s time to stop and smell the Rose-s…
Norton Rose Fulbright Lateral Profile 2025
There’s no denying Norton Rose Fulbright’s status as one of the premiers in international BigLaw. With billions in revenue, over forty offices worldwide, and numerous Chambers Global rankings to boot, it’s enough to catch the eye of any bright-eyed law student. But beyond the accolades, there was something in particular which stuck out to juniors looking to join. Namely, “it’s Southern roots – I liked the Texan culture where I could also get international work.” What that meant in a practical sense was that the firm had “a culture where you feel comfortable asking questions, with people who are friendly, and honest.”
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…
“NRF has a renowned projects practice group that is involved in some of the most significant energy projects in the US and globally.”
“I chose this firm for its prestigious reputation, the high quality of its cases, and the exceptional expertise of its attorneys in the cybersecurity and privacy group.”
“NRF was a great place to lateral and continue to build my career. I have gotten great experience, including at trial, and I love the culture.”
International & Secondment Opportunities
Common secondment destinations: Dallas, New York City, Houston.
Client secondment examples: Exxon Mobil, EOG Resources, PayPal, HSBC, Kyndrl, Inc., Concord Specialty Risk.
Overseas career development opportunities (view from the firm): As an international firm, we have multiple opportunities for our associates to visit and meet people and teams across the world to explore the different practices and focuses we have at our firm.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
22 |
undisclosed |
68% |
||
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
76% |
62% |
76% |
||
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: We offer many career development opportunities including; attorney mentorship program, business development support - reimbursements for relationship-building activities and firm-sponsored executive coaching provided after business development hour threshold is hit, 8 hours of firm time for community service of your choice, multiple affinity networks to get connected with, vacation award after meeting billable thresholds.
Hours & Compensation
1,900 |
12 |
46 |
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
62% |
80% |
70% |
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: $190,000-$225,000
The view from the firm: Our Associates are on the lock-step Cravath scale salary with their bonus threshold at 1,900 hours. Our Counsel and Senior Counsel total compensation is a combination of their base salary plus an end-of-year bonus calculated by a percentage of their fees billed based on the amount of hours they billed. We have a hybrid work environment with different in-office requirements based on attorney titles and years.
Is Norton Rose Fulbright the right firm for you?
91% |
88% |
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: Hiring laterals will allow our firm to grow more from a client and billable work perspective. With more senior-level work brought in, a need for mid-level and senior non-partners attorneys increases. We look for candidates with expertise in legal knowledge, projects & practice management skills, initiative and ownership skills, and who are reliable. We offer Associate, Senior Associate, Counsel, Senior Counsel for non-partner lawyer opportunities. Our team also hires judicial clerks, patent agents, and technical advisors.
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“There is a culture of mentorship and continuous learning. The firm provides cutting-edge tools and training, and I enjoy working with an inclusive, collaborative team that challenges me to grow.”
“The firm has a reputation for excellence. Partners and senior managers have shown genuine interest in my career. The firm offers unparalleled resources and training, and I feel privileged to be part of a team pushing the boundaries of innovation.”
“I really like the people in my group. People generally take their work seriously but do not take themselves too seriously. There seems to be as good of a work-life balance as possible in a busy/successful practice group.”
Pro Bono
undisclosed |
74% |
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: Represented a client who sought the aid of the Catholic Charities Legal Network, a referral network for local pro bono lawyers, to purse a condominium warranty claim; Achieved a significant pro bono victory for a Mexican father whose eleven-year-old son was illegally abducted by the mother and secreted under false pretenses to the United States.
Sustainability & CSR
The view from the firm: Although NRFUS has not yet established specific emission targets, we are actively exploring opportunities within Scope 2 and Scope 3. Meanwhile, we are implementing several impactful initiatives, including achieving 75% green spending in office supply purchases, obtaining Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for all applicable offices, securing Energy Star Tenant Space recognition for 40% of our offices, and completing ESG assessments for our top vendors.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Alice Bolander, Director, Lateral Recruiting
Caroline McMillin, Manager, Lateral Recruiting – Disputes, Business and Judicial Clerks
Brooke Fader, Manager, Lateral Recruiting – Intellectual Property
Lindsey Jones, Coordinator, Lateral Recruiting – Projects