Small but mighty, Richards, Layton & Finger packs a punch as the go-to BigLaw firm in Delaware.
Richards, Layton & Finger Lateral Profile 2024
For associates at RLF, the firm’s status in Delaware made it a no-brainer. Not only is the firm one of the biggest in the state, but it has a “Delaware-only practice, so it’s not a satellite office.” Delaware itself is a key player in the corporate market and, for a firm that’s been focused on driving that practice for over a century, it should come as no surprise that it sits at the top of the totem in the state. Even with just one base in Wilmington, sources had lots to say on the firm’s reputation: “Anyone in law here knows who you are,” said one, while another told us how “recruiters are calling all the time!” But, despite this status, interviewees also felt at home with the people at the firm, explaining how “everyone is really friendly and open, so it’s easy to walk into someone’s office.”
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…
“Everyone seemed to really walk the walk – I can speak candidly with my peers and most partners, I can say no if I'm truly overwhelmed, people are treated like humans, and there is a sense of humor.”
“The collaborative environment and that during the interview process nearly all of the attorneys whom I spoke with had spent their entire careers at RLF.”
“Tremendous sense of pride in the work produced for clients.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
3 |
1.06 : 1 |
71% |
||
|
partners made in 2023 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
71% |
71% |
71% |
||
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with children | felt partnership was achievable at the firm | agreed partners are nurturing future leaders |
||
Hours & Compensation
|
no requirement |
10.4 |
46.4 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
86% |
93% |
36% |
| 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: $190,000
*The firm did not disclose its salaries beyond this point.
Is Richards, Layton & Finger the right firm for you?
|
79% |
86% |
79% |
|
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...
“It’s a close-knit, civil atmosphere where people are nice.”
“It’s really family friendly for the industry.”
“People check in on you and respect each other’s time.”
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
43% |
23.4% |
16% |
||
|
reported diverse staffing on teams/cases/matters |
of partners are women |
of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
||
Pro Bono
|
undisclosed |
86% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: Central Baptist Community Development Corporation/Eastside Rising; office of Child Advocate; Ministry of Caring.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Samantha Stern, Hiring Manager, stern@Rlf.com