Litigation is at the core of this small but mighty Big Apple hotshot, where a cozy cohort and plenty of partner interaction means associates get to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Patterson Belknap Lateral Profile 2024
They say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, and that’s exactly the maxim that Patterson Belknap has stuck to. Not only has the firm stayed true to its NYC hometown for over a century (sticking to just the one office in Midtown Manhattan), it has also continued to keep up its long-standing reputation in litigation. And, to this day, Patterson’s litigation practice continues to draw new associates to the firm, one of whom was happy to tell us, “a main thing I wanted at the beginning of my career was substantive litigation experience at a powerhouse litigation shop. Litigation is the engine at Patterson, and I wanted to be part of it.” Another area that piqued newbies’ interest was the longevity of the firm: “I got the feeling they were willing to invest in me. I knew they could train me to be a good-natured and experienced lawyer.”
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…
“Patterson Belknap practices what they preach. They're committed to professional development through leanly staffed teams where there are ample opportunities for substantive work; the partnership's open-door policy; our attorney-resource groups; our professional check-ins, where we can discuss internal and external professional goals; our $100 stipend when we have lunch/coffee/dinner with other attorneys.”
“Their commitment to pro bono.”
“My intelligent coworkers and the variety of cases we work on.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
2 |
1.8 : 1 |
50% |
||
|
partners made in 2023 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
63% |
50% |
72% |
||
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with children | felt partnership was achievable at the firm | agreed partners are nurturing future leaders |
||
The view from the firm: Patterson Belknap offers a full suite of in-house CLEs and professional development education sessions for all attorneys that coordinate to the skills and competencies outilined in the firm's Core Competency Framework. Business development trainings are held annually and associates are provided an annual business development budget based on seniority. Mentoring begins on day one: all incoming associates are assigned a senior onboarding attorney and an assocaite mentor, both of whom help the associate acclimate to life at the firm. Associates also participate in cross-departmental, mixed-seniority "mentoring circles." These professional development focused mentoring groups meet quarterly and cover a wide range of topics.
Hours & Compensation
|
1,850 |
13 |
43 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
63% |
44% |
75% |
| agreed they had a good work-life balance |
said the benefits package makes the workload worthwhile |
found the bonus allocation fair and transparent |
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
The view from the firm: The annual hours target for associates is 1,850 billable hours and 2,100 total hours. The 250-hour delta between 1,850 and 2,100 may be comprised of related non-billable activities (i.e. prob bono, professional development, business development, firm citizenship activities, etc.). Attorneys may receive up to 50 billable credit hours for participation in initiatives, activities, or events related to advancing the firm’s DEI goals. Associate compensation is lockstep.
Our flexible work arrangements policy permits an attorney in good standing to work a flexible schedule in order to care for a family member or to attend to other family responsibilities. The firm grants requests for flexible work arrangements with a reduced-hours schedule of 80% or higher as a matter of course.
Is Patterson Belknap the right firm for you?
|
90% |
90% |
91% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work is interesting |
felt comfortable being themselves at work |
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“Everyone is incredibly kind and respectful of each other and each other's time and personal lives. Mutual respect among all employees -- partners, associates, legal staff, and support staff.”
“There’s a respectful and welcoming culture. Every firm says it, but it’s real here!”
“Everyone here is excited about practicing law.”
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
81% |
25.5% |
33% |
||
|
reported diverse staffing on teams/cases/matters |
of partners are women |
of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
||
The view from the firm: In October 2023, the firm organized a ‘Making the Case for Judicial Clerkships’ panel discussion and networking reception with three sitting federal judges. Our esteemed speakers highlighted the attributes and qualifications they look for in clerkship candidates, the day-to-day responsibilities and role of law clerks, and guidance for applicants who wish to best position themselves for consideration.
Every fall, the firm sponsors our Patterson Attorneys of Color Off-Site. At our November 2023 conference, members discussed relevant topics shaping the associate experience. They also offer the firm’s Co-Chairs and leaders of our DEI and Hiring Committees recommendations for advancing DEI and attorney professional development priorities. Finally, the professional retreat helps to build community and promote a greater sense of belonging among our attorneys from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Patterson is a proud sponsor of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity and has nominated three high potential lawyers to represent the firm as Fellows and Pathfinders. Throughout the year, they attend professional development and personal brand-building sessions and cultivate relationships with leaders in business and the legal profession.
Finally, Patterson Belknap DEI Fellowships are awarded to candidates who matriculate to the firm as an associate and whose career accomplishments and passions demonstrate a longstanding commitment to civil and human rights advocacy, social justice and racial equity causes. During the 2023-24 onboarding season three lawyers in our entering class each received grants of $40,000 which supplemented the bonuses that the firm provided upon the completion of their judicial clerkships.
Pro Bono
|
114 |
88% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: The Family of Tyshon Jones (civil rights and racial justice); Jessee Hammons (LGBTQ+ rights); criminal justice; partnered with Advocates for Children to defend client (education, children’s advocacy); New Jersey Office of the Attorney General (voting rights).
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: LegalRecruiting@pbwt.com