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Seward & Kissel Lateral Profile 2025
Seward has long been known for investment management, and the current crop of associates were quick to highlight Seward’s “strength in private funds practice,” and “specialization in the investment management industry.” But this isn’t all Seward has to offer. Alongside Chambers USA rankings in capital markets securitization and hedge funds, the firm scoops top rankings in bankruptcy/restructuring in New York and shipping/maritime nationwide. As one junior put it, Seward benefits from “very specialized groups that you don’t see too often.”
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 was drawn to Seward & Kissel due to our industry leading reputation, and I was sold on the firm by the incredible culture, which was obvious from my first interview.”
“I wanted to work at a firm that paid a BigLaw salary but had a more collegial feel. Knowing I would likely spend more time with my coworkers than my family for the next few years, I chose the firm because I liked the people.”
“I liked the fact that my firm was midsized, as that was the sweet spot for me between working at a boutique (less resources) and a large law firm (too many other associates making it hard to stand out).”
International & Secondment Opportunities
Common secondment destinations: London
Overseas career development opportunities (view from the firm): Associates have been seconded to a partner law firm in the UK (Simmons & Simmons) for a period of 3 months.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
3 |
1.3 : 1 |
78% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
58% |
61% |
85% |
||
| 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: Seward & Kissel’s firmwide Competencies, Behaviors, and Curriculum (CBC) emphasizes our firm’s commitment to associate development. It focuses on fostering a versatile, dynamic, and skilled group of attorneys, ensuring long-term career growth and professional satisfaction. The curriculum is based on clearly defined competencies such as firm citizenship, project management, client relations, and emotional intelligence, which are molded from when an associate starts at S&K. Our structured approach helps associates develop essential skills and aims to prepare associates for leadership roles while strengthening the firm’s future success.
Hours & Compensation
|
2,000 |
13 |
49 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
73% |
80% |
85% |
| 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 to be authentic |
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 1,850 billable hours and 100 non-billable hours in 2022. Associates who obtained 2,150 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 workdays for all associates.
Is Seward & Kissel the right firm for you?
|
86% |
92% |
86% |
|
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: Find out more on our careers page here.
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“S&K is uniquely rare and the right size, with a strong culture, practices areas that fit my expertise and a solid track record of profitability.”
“S&K combines the feel of a small/mid-size firm environment with large firm client work. I like the people, the work, and the balance it allows for family life.”
“It has a strong reputation for work-life balance, reputation for collegial atmosphere, early hands on experience as an associate, small case teams, high-level work, and the opportunity to work on important matters.”
Pro Bono
|
16 |
46% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Sustainability & CSR
The view from the firm: The firm is eliminating plastic and paper cups by providing reusable mugs and water bottles to all employees.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Stacey Rosenfeld
rosenfeld@sewkis.com