Cooieee! If you are looking for tech expertise, large clients and a relaxed culture. This Seattle-born firm has all the perk(ins) you need.
Perkins Coie Lateral Profile 2025
The firm started life in Seattle and has since evolved into the largest law firm headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, boasting an impressive 21 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia. In fact, Perkins just opened its first office across the pond in London back in May 2024. The firm has a strong reputation in the tech space (most notably representing Amazon in its initial public offering, as well as the Boeing Company since its founding). Its street cred is backed up by our colleagues over at Chambers USA who have recognized the firm’s top-level work in practices such as environment, privacy and data security litigation, retail and aviation litigation nationwide, as well as antitrust, bankruptcy/restructuring, construction, corporate/M&A, employee benefits, energy and natural resources, intellectual property, Abor and employment, general commercial litigation and tax in the firm’s home state of Washington.
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 wanted a firm that would not overwork me, that had kind people, and that had the practice area I wanted to work in. That was Perkins.”
“Perkins was one of the only firms that I actually enjoyed talking to during my interview process. Every attorney I talked to was personable and professional. During my summer, I was able to get a lot of face time with partners and senior associates, and everyone was very willing to help and mentor me.”
“Good work-life balance, friendly partners and senior associates, reputable clients, worthy matters to work on, flexible work-from-home opportunities.”
Strategic Recruitment Focuses 2025
Emerging companies & venture capital careers
Recent work highlight: Represented Monad Labs, Inc. in its $225 million Series A Financing.
Technology transactions & privacy careers
Recent work highlight: Represented YouTube in its acquisition of exclusive rights to NFL Sunday Ticket.
Privacy & date security careers
Recent work highlight: Successfully defended an auto manufacturer in a case that alleged violations of the Washington Privacy Act for alleged unlawful interception and recording of texts when a cell phone is connected to a client’s entertainment systems. The court granted the motion with leave to amend. The plaintiff accepted the judgment and has appealed to the Ninth Circuit.
M&A careers
Recent work highlight: Represented Crocs in $2.5 Billion acquisition of HEYDUDE.
IP/patent litigation careers
Recent work highlight: Led Amarin Corporation to victory before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in a high-profile appeal relating to “skinny label” litigation against generic competitor Hikma.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
23 |
1.1 : 1 |
79% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
60% |
74% |
74% |
||
| 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 at Perkins Coie receive a wide variety of training and professional development opportunities throughout their careers, from new associates to new partners. Our curriculum offers blended learning for each stage. New associates are supported through a New Associate Academy, practice group intensives, and practice area Foundations series in business and litigation. Mid-level associates attend a multi-day Mid-Level Associate Academy tailored for this stage of their career.
Our Essentials program for associates and counsel includes key professional development topics like AI, legal writing, time management, ethics, communication skills, and the business of law. All lawyers have access to substantive law and practice skills training through internal programs as well as on-demand and self-paced learning CLE and knowledge management resources. Live, experiential learning opportunities for business development coaching, NITA deposition, expert witness, and trial advocacy, and leadership training are available to augment growth. In addition to firmwide offerings, local offices host engagement and training opportunities for their attorneys through a collaboration with local Attorney Development Committees. Both group and individual coaching opportunities also are available.
Mentoring is highly valued and fostered from the start through an orientation mentoring program for new lawyers and continuing with the Building Bridges program that enhances professional development and strengthens connections across the firm. Our lateral associate integration program connects laterals to essential firm resources, people, and opportunities across the firm. Each new associate also is assigned a Responsible Partner to integrate them into the workflow in their practice group.
Hours & Compensation
|
2,000 |
12 |
47.7 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
71% |
68% |
66% |
| 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 |
Salaries
1st year: $165,000 - $225,000
2nd year: $170,000 - $235,000
3rd year: $190,000 - $260,000
4th year: $210,000 - $310,000
5th year: $240,000 - $365,000
6th year: $245,000 - $390,000
7th year: $250,000 - $420,000
8th year: $255,000 - $420,000
The view from the firm: Associate and counsel compensation includes a base salary and an annual bonus for meeting hours thresholds. The hours expectation for associates and counsel is 2,000. For bonus purposes, for third-year and more senior associates and counsel those hours must include a minimum of 1,850 client billable hours.
Is Perkins Coie the right firm for you?
|
88% |
96% |
80% |
|
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: Perkins Coie regularly hires lateral associates for opportunities across the firm. We are seeking experienced attorneys who are self-starters eager to grow their practice and gain new experience in their chosen area of expertise. We are a collaborative team of lawyers with a passion for technology, problem-solving, and cutting-edge issues. We work with the largest, most sophisticated companies and the most innovative start-ups in technology, media, retail, and other sectors. While we work hard to meet our clients’ needs, we also value critical thinking, collegiality, mentorship, and life outside of work.
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“I’ve loved my experience. The people are friendly and helpful in my tasks and provided great mentorship.”
“The people here actually care about associates. We have a more laid-back work environment which decreases stress and produces excellent work. My associate and partner mentors are amazing.”
“Perkins Coie has a very good reputation in my field of law and many high-profile victories for exciting clients. It also has a more laid-back culture than many firms of similar caliber.”
Pro Bono
|
68 |
81% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: ACLU of Montana/Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund (transgender rights); Jason Smith/Yuma County Public Defender (criminal justice & constitutional rights); Center for Reproductive Rights/Hawaiian Midwives (reproductive justice); The Seattle Clemency Project (criminal justice); The Access Project (criminal justice).
Sustainability & CSR
The view from the firm: Perkins Coie LLP is dedicated to reducing its climate impact through a comprehensive sustainability policy. The firm aims to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030, covering scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Key initiatives include minimizing single-use products, promoting recycling, and encouraging energy conservation. The firm also focuses on reducing business travel by promoting a virtual first concept. Education and awareness sessions are conducted to inform all personnel about sustainability practices. Financial resources are allocated to support these initiatives, and annual reports and surveys are published to track progress. The firm seeks opportunities for community involvement in sustainability projects. Future lease negotiations will prioritize sustainability measures.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Jean Hadley, Senior Legal Recruiting Manager
JHadley@perkinscoie.com