Where better to learn the Ropes than at this Boston-based “big player” renowned for its exceptional life sciences and funds prowess.
Ropes & Gray Lateral Profile 2024
To succeed in BigLaw, ambition is key. Everyone wants to be with the best of the best, and “Ropes is the top choice in Boston. It always has been one of the biggest and most prominent law firms with a sophisticated and diverse client base,” an insider enthused, adding that “it is just a great place to practice.” So, when it comes to choosing where to roll up your sleeves and jump in headfirst, suffice to say if Ropes & Gray calls, you answer.
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 was so kind! I feel very closely connected with the other people in my class.”
“Ropes seemed to be a humane and friendly place to practice corporate law at the highest level. It also seemed to have a unique commitment to civic engagement in Boston.”
“How supported I felt as an individual, and not just viewed as a cog in the legal machine.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
17 |
2.95 : 1 |
52% |
||
|
partners made in 2023 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
67% |
40% |
75% |
||
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with children | felt partnership was achievable at the firm | agreed partners are nurturing future leaders |
||
Hours & Compensation
|
1,900 |
12.5 |
47.7 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
48% |
82% |
84% |
| 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: $390,000
6th year: $420,000
7th year: $435,000
8th year: $445,000
Is Ropes & Gray the right firm for you?
|
78% |
90% |
80% |
|
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...
“The culture is not cutthroat. I don't get the sense that people are trying to one-up each other. There is a sense that we're all in this together trying to deliver positive results for the client.”
“Ropes is very collaborative and focused on development. You are rewarded and given more responsibility based on performance and are not held back or tied to your class year.”
“Almost everyone is happy to talk to each other and form meaningful relationships with each other. People are very friendly and often collaborate on deals, pro bono work, firm events, etc.”
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
74% |
33% |
32% |
||
|
reported diverse staffing on teams/cases/matters |
of partners are women |
of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
||
The view from the firm: Ropes & Gray has launched the Women’s Forum New Partner Network for women in their first five years of partnership to share business strategies and career goals.
Our Women’s Advancement Leader, a retired M&A partner and former office leader, completed her first full year mentoring and supporting women at the firm. The firm’s Black Women Lawyers Group hosted a retreat focused on challenges black women face in the legal industry. We welcomed two new affinity groups to connect lawyers from shared backgrounds and allies—one for Native American lawyers and one for Jewish lawyers.
We also grew our Diverse Partner Network, a business development initiative designed to leverage the expertise of the firm’s racially and ethnically diverse partners, and continued to fund grants to pursue leadership goals for women and attorneys who identify as racially/ethnically diverse. We’ve also participated in leadership programs with the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity and Leadership.
Pro Bono
|
76 |
92% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: Law Firm Antiracism Alliance; Truth Hope & Justice Initiative (diversity and inclusion); New York State Bar Associate (diversity & inclusion); Heading Home (homelessness)
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: hiringprogram@ropesgray.com