All aboard Seward, the midsized New Yorker that continues to fly the flag for top investment and fund management work.
Seward & Kissel Lateral Profile 2024
While you may not be expecting to find ‘small’ in the world of Big Apple BigLaw, Seward packs a mighty punch without the need for a massive headcount. “The firm has fewer than 200 attorneys but has big clients which match a firm double its size. That was important to me,” a junior boasted. James Cofer, the firm’s managing partner, agreed that “we are a unique proposition in New York. We have 170 lawyers – which is a unique size – meaning we are not big BigLaw, but we’re small enough so that everybody can get to know everybody.” To get this experience, as Cofer notes, there’s no need to sacrifice on work: “Some people would say we punch above our weight, and the transactions we do every day involve big brand firm names.” So, with a smaller size and big work, it’s safe to say that associates can get their hands on some exciting matters. Much of this comes down to partner-associate relationships, which were reported to be a big part of the culture at Seward. Interviewees felt this played a huge part in their development, explaining: “I didn’t want to be a cog in the wheel, I wanted to be an attorney here with exposure to partners.”
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…
“The culture appeared to be centered on work life balance, and there was a genuine effort to maintain collegiality.”
“The comradery amongst associates and certain partners.”
“Down to earth people who do serious work.”
Strategic Recruitment Focuses 2024
Business transactions careers
The view from the firm: Seward & Kissel’s Business Transactions Group (“BTG”) represents domestic and international companies (both private and public), private fund sponsors, investment management firms, financial institutions, business owners and management in connection with their mergers and acquisitions, joint venture, private equity and venture capital transactions. The BTG also represents special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”) and private operating companies in connection with mergers and acquisitions and other business combinations relating to the De-SPAC process. The BTG is well-renowned for its transactional work in the investment management and maritime industries, and its reputation for excellence extends across a wide array of other industries and sectors.
Investment management clients: Akre Capital Management, Fairholme Capital Management, Aegis Financial Corporation.
Recent work highlight: Advised AllianceBernstein on its initial registration and creation of AB Disruptors.
Litigation & investigations careers
The view from the firm: Our Litigation & Investigations group regularly counsels clients through their most important, complex, and sensitive matters. From “bet the company” litigation in commercial and regulatory disputes, to government and internal investigations, the firm is devoted to helping clients achieve the most optimal solution in each and every matter. Our team understands the value of working closely with each client to understand the nuances and practicalities of their business, and we take a cross-discipline approach to leveraging the deep subject matter expertise of our firm’s wide array of practice groups and specialties.
Litigation clients: ING Bank, Aksia, CoVenture.
Recent work highlight: Represented client Commodities & Mineral Enterprise after entering into a complex set of agreements with CVG Ferrominera Orinoco, a Venezuelan government-owned company, related to the purchase, logistics and transportation of iron ore from the Orinoco River, resulting in two consolidated arbitrations and a Rule B proceeding in New York.
International & Secondment Opportunities
Common secondment destinations: London
Client secondment examples: Simmons & Simmons
Overseas career development opportunities (view from the firm): Associates have ben seconded to a partner law firm in the UK for a period of 3 months.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
10 |
1.4 : 1 |
64% |
||
|
partners made in 2023 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
69% |
64% |
87% |
||
| 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: Seward & Kissel provides a framework of firmwide core competencies that are essential for effective performance and success at the Firm. Learning programs include CLE sessions on practice-specific knowledge as well as a curriculum of professional skills learning programs (delegation, time management, communication, etc.). There is also a structured mentorship initiative that provides career development support.
Hours & Compensation
|
2,000 |
13.7 |
51.4 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
50% |
54% |
85% |
| 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
7th year: $420,000
8th year: $435,000
The view from the firm: The firm compensates our associates on a market-based lockstep compensation structure. A discretionary market level bonus was awarded to associates who obtained 1850 billable hours and 100 non-billable hours in 2022. Associates who obtained 2150 billable hours also received an additional bonus. We do not have a Pro bono hours requirement. We have an extensive Pro bono program and encourage all of our associates to work on these matters. We currently have a hybrid work environment with Tuesday-Thursday in the office and Monday and Friday working remotely. In 2022 and also planned for 2023 we will also work remotely during the week of Thanksgiving, the days between Christmas and New Years and the month of August. We also allow flexibility for additional remote work days for all associates.
Is Seward & Kissel the right firm for you?
|
88% |
88% |
77% |
|
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...
“Planning fun events with no pressure to force everyone to attend, wanting to foster real mentorship relationships between colleagues, hiring with intention for people who have similar goals and outlooks on firm culture and mentorship.”
“I have a lot to learn in order to be successful in my field and think this is the place I will best be able to grow as a lawyer.”
“I really enjoy working at the firm. I enjoy the challenges and the work life, as well as the camaraderie of my colleagues and clients.”
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
54% |
17.2% |
19.7% |
||
|
reported diverse staffing on teams/cases/matters |
of partners are women |
of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
||
The view from the firm: We have engaged with a DE&I Consultant to assist us in building a comprehensive DE&I program. During Black History month we partnered with the Harlem School for the Arts to host an art show showcasing work created by students of the school that was auctioned off and the proceeds were presented to the school.
Pro Bono
|
32.2 |
23% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: HerJustice (free legal service to low income women in marriage, family and immigration matters); New York County Lawyers Association (The Social Security SDNY Project provides free representation to eligible individuals who are appealing their denial of benefits in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York); Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (legal name change services to low-income transgender, gender non-confirming, and non-binary people); TakeRoot Justice (Provides legal, participatory research and policy support to strengthen the work of grassroots and community-based groups in New York City); New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG is a civil legal services organization combatting economic, racial and social injustice).
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Evan Brodsky, brodsky@sewkis.com