“Transparent” culture and practice area diversity to excite: Sheppard’s delight!
Sheppard Mullin Lateral Profile 2025
With humble origins in downtown Los Angeles amid the backdrop of lawyers fighting for the truth, entrepreneurial powerhouse Sheppard Mullin has since spread its wings without having forgotten its distinct Californian roots. Retaining bases in LA, San Francisco, Century City, and Del Mar, it was also the “healthcare expertise and regulatory hub” of DC that sold the firm to some of our sources. Even the New Yorkers could sense the Cali culture. While an associate explained that the firm’s Rockefeller Plaza abode “feels more like a real law firm where everyone is friends rather than a bleak corporate environment."
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 to join a Los Angeles firm, and Sheppard is one of the, if not the biggest firm in Los Angeles. Also, I appreciated how transparent they were in the interview process and genuinely enjoyed speaking with the partners and associates I interviewed with.”
“Sheppard Mullin fit all criteria I was searching for in a landing point. A robust law firm with exceptionally talented attorneys and a significant yet centered trust and estates group that I felt I could truly thrive within. I was also honored to have the opportunity to work from Sheppard Mullin's primary office in Los Angeles.”
“I wanted to be in Los Angeles at a firm that had attorneys working in the media/entertainment industry. I also wanted to be at a firm that prioritized training for associates, which Sheppard Mullin completely has. I loved that Sheppard is based out of California, as I feel the California location is the basis for the firm culture and perfectly fits with the culture I want for in a firm.”
Strategic Recruitment Focuses 2025
Healthcare careers
The view from the firm: Lawyers in our highly ranked healthcare practice provide experienced legal counsel to healthcare providers, payors, institutions and almost every form of healthcare related organization. We develop effective solutions to fit our clients' needs and objectives within a complex framework that includes fraud and abuse, antitrust, Medicare/Medicaid/commercial reimbursement, HIPAA, corporate M&A and restructuring and insolvency issues, to name only a few. Our associates assist hospitals, health plans, healthcare providers and other healthcare organizations in transactional, regulatory, litigation, tax, finance, labor/employment, real estate, privacy, information technology, intellectual property, and antitrust matters.
Healthcare clients: Prospect Medical Holdings, Compassus FC, NoHo Corduroy.
Recent work highlight: Provided transactional and regulatory counsel to Collage Rehabilitation Partners, a portfolio company of Baird Capital, in its acquisition of the assets of Omicron Care.
Energy careers
The view from the firm: Our team has a deep understanding of the technical, business and political aspects of the energy industry, enabling us to achieve our clients’ business objectives by anticipating and resolving the industry-specific issues that matter to them in the wind, solar, electrical power, oil and natural gas sectors. We represent many of the largest and most innovative energy industry players, including leading utilities, independent power producers and financial institutions.
Our clients are involved in all aspects of renewable energy generation, including solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal power, biomass, ethanol, and biodiesel projects across the United States. Associates will advise founders and companies regarding new technologies, structural issues, financing, taxation, employment and technology protection. Lawyers will provide advice to developer clients on environmental issues, permitting, community relations, land rights, equipment procurement, finance, power purchase arrangements, and project acquisitions and divestitures.
Energy clients: California Wind Energy Association, Tenaska, Greenbacker Renewable Energy Corporation.
Recent work highlight: Advising Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners regarding the interconnection of battery storage assets with Portland General Electric and Puget Sound Energy.
Life sciences careers
The view from the firm: We work hand-in-hand with our life sciences industry clients in their drive for success and profitability. Associates can expect to advise on strategic issues that range from acquisitions to antitrust, entity formation to enforcement and investigations, incorporations to IPOs, licensing to litigation, patents to product liability, and trademarks to transactions. We represent a diverse client base in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical (prescription and OTC), medical devices and diagnostics, digital health and medtech sectors, ranging from large publicly-traded organizations to early and mid-stage start-up companies.
Life sciences clients: Gilead Sciences, Vir Biotechnology, LaNova Medicines.
Recent work highlight: Representing Pacira Biosciences against three compounding pharmacies in federal Lanham Act cases where the compounding pharmacies – which produce “drug cocktails” they describe as alternatives to Exparel, Pacira’s pain medication – have used false and misleading advertisement and marketing materials to qualify for an exemption to federal regulatory approval.
Private equity careers
The view from the firm: Our Private Equity Team is focused on providing our clients with the highest quality of legal services, and understanding every relevant aspect of their business. Associates can expect to receive hands-on work on all types of transactions and legal matters throughout the private equity life cycle, including the formation of their funds, platform acquisitions, add-on acquisitions, dividend recapitalizations, realization transactions, and more. We also provide day-to-day legal support to our clients’ portfolio companies.
Private equity clients: Vapor Power International, Chicago Pacific Founders, City Veterinary Care.
Recent work highlight: Representing Prospect HealthSystem, an integrated clinical care delivery system, in its definitive agreement to sell certain of its business and assets to Astrana Health.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
18 |
1.1 : 1 |
78% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
81% |
68% |
83% |
||
| 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: We provide our associates with the resources to succeed at every level of their career through practice group and level specific training. We provide a systematic program of professional education, designed to provide knowledge of substantive law and practical suggestions as to day-to-day legal practice.
The firm holds multiple annual retreats a year, including level-specific training academies, affinity group retreats, and individual practice group retreats. CLE is offered in a variety of formats including in PLI, CEB, and internally-hosted trainings.
Our mentoring program allows associates to select a partner mentor to aid career development and enhance their firm experience by promoting communication, encouraging relationships and refining their professional development and business plans.
We provide individualized coaching, in areas such as writing, professional and business development skills. Our Career Advisory Program provides confidential counseling for associates interested in going in-house.
Hours & Compensation
|
1,950 |
13 |
48.6 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
77% |
82% |
87% |
| 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 the 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: Associates are expected to bill at least 1,950 client-chargeable and credited non-chargeable hours during the firm’s measuring period. Credited hours can include unlimited pro bono hours and up to 75 hours of other activities including, practice group activities, community activities, firm administration, inclusion, client development, recruiting and continuing legal education.
Associates may also receive client-chargeable credit for up to 40 hours of Unplug & Recharge time each measuring period after meeting certain thresholds.
Promotions are determined by an associate’s practice group and the Chief Human Resources Officer, based on associate performance and progression through competencies reflected in the attorney evaluation form and their ability to meet hours expectations.
We pay lockstep market bonuses with an opportunity to receive up to 120% of the standard bonus for associates whose hours exceed the minimum billable target. Associates missing the target by 50 hours or fewer may earn a partial bonus. The firm also awards discretionary bonuses for associates for extraordinary contributions
The firm is committed to making flexible work arrangements available under appropriate circumstances for both male and female associates who sometimes need to redesign their work arrangements for family, health or other personal reasons. The firm is committed to making reduced hours or flexible work arrangements available under appropriate circumstances for both male and female associates, and believes that associates can and will remain committed professionals providing the same high quality work and client service while working under alternative arrangements.
Is Sheppard Mullin the right firm for you?
|
89% |
91% |
91% |
|
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: While the firm is committed to developing and promoting associates from within, the addition of strong lateral associates is integral to our firm's growth plan. Lateral hiring is intended to diversify and support the growth of our practice groups and industry teams. We seek top tier legal talent that will embrace our firm culture, which emphasizes civility, teamwork, transparency and a commitment to excellent client service. Our ideal candidates are skilled and experienced lawyers who seek a firm with long-term development and career opportunities.
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“The culture really drew me in. From the first time I was interviewed throughout my entire summer, I just felt welcome. Partners truly care about mentoring juniors and encourage them not to be burnt out. Vacation time and work from home time is encouraged. The events, retreats, and other resources are incredible. People actually like their jobs, and it’s been inspiring to see how many of the partners and seniors have been here since they were summers. The firm culture is very respectful, laid back, and collaborative, but it also demands excellence and grit. I genuinely enjoy working with my colleagues and have found my perfect fit.”
“The people that work here are kind and thoughtful which fosters an incredibly positive and meaningful work environment.”
“Sheppard Mullin has an impressive track record for elevating women and minorities to partnership. Also, partners and associates care about fostering growth in new lawyers, which is evident from the time and energy they spend on providing detailed feedback for improvement. Overall, I am very grateful for a supportive and authentic work environment.”
Pro Bono
|
36 |
96% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: A Better Childhood (child protection litigation); ACLU (mental health litigation); Disability Rights Advocates; Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project (legal analysis); LegalHealth, a division of the New York Legal Assistance Group (immigration).
Sustainability & CSR
The view from the firm: Our firm is committed to meeting business objectives while advancing environmental sustainability within our operations. The Sustainability Committee plays a key role in fostering eco-conscious practices across all levels of the firm. Our commitment includes several key initiatives: conserving resources and energy, reducing paper usage, minimizing carbon impacts from business travel and commuting, and preventing waste and pollution. We also implement office conservation projects to reduce waste and prioritize sustainable design and renovations in our office spaces. Additionally, we adopt responsible procurement practices and regularly work with suppliers and business partners who align with our sustainability goals.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: See job description for the appropriate recruiting contact or Christina Jurado - Senior Manager, Lateral Recruiting & Integration