More brains than Homer and better connected than Burns. Attorneys at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett don’t have any ‘D’oh’ moments!
Simpson Thacher Lateral Profile 2025
Simpson Thacher picks up 25 rankings in our sister guide, Chambers USA, with top marks in areas like capital markets, securities, tax and disputes. STB was even involved in one of the most high-profile law firm mergers ever, advising Allen & Overy on its merger with Shearman & Sterling. On top of that, the firm has a real focus on pro bono, with longstanding clients such as Doctors Without Borders, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Robin Hood Foundation.
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 felt that Simpson was a place where I did not have to compromise. Everyone I met was happy to help, people respect one another regardless of their position, and the work and the clients are cutting edge in their respective fields. I feel happy that the longer I work at the firm the more validated I feel in my decision to have joined Simpson.”
“STB was a great option of the best that big law has to offer: genuine people, approachable mentors, top-of-the-line deals and clients, and a great work environment.”
“The people at Simpson were incredibly approachable and personable. They also cared the most about associate training and development, as evident through mentorship programs and partner relationships with incoming associates and summers.”
International & Secondment Opportunities
Client secondment examples: At Simpson Thacher, our clients come first. Based on client needs we offer associates the opportunity to be seconded to our clients on a case-by-case basis.
Overseas career development opportunities (view from the firm): Simpson attorneys share knowledge across practice and regions. International office placements/rotations are considered on a case-by-case basis based on the business needs of our clients and the firm.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
44 |
2.9 : 1 |
70% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
59% |
51% |
75% |
||
| 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: At Simpson Thacher, we take an innovative approach to training and development; helping young lawyers to develop essential skills and broad-based knowledge, instead of narrow niches of legal expertise - especially at the outset of their careers. Using design thinking principles, we offer a variety of resources to support our associates. We offer Multi-day conferences at the first, third, and fifth years to mark key career transition points, internal and external coaching programs, practice group and firm-wide programs, and online training. Simpson also offers Development Mentor Program and a NY Corporate Advisor Program. Incoming associates are assigned partner and associate mentors and lawyers at all levels actively participate in mentoring efforts.
Hours & Compensation
|
no requirement |
17 |
50 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
62% |
89% |
81% |
| 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: Simpson lawyers do not have an hours requirement and we practice a lockstep compensation model.
Is Simpson Thacher the right firm for you?
|
89% |
88% |
87% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work they received was of the right quality |
felt that they chose the right firm |
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“The people are easygoing, friendly, and down to earth. The firm culture is non-competitive and collegial, mainly due to the absence of any billing requirements and centralized staffing.”
“STB is a prestigious, world-class firm with lawyers who are genuine and willing to help others learn and grow.”
“I had heard of STB has a reputation for an respectful and intellectual environment. I work with colleagues who are smart and hardworking but had identities outside of the firm.”
Pro Bono
|
27 |
82% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: Represented individual plaintiffs in a challenge to a Louisiana law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. Co-counsel are the ACLU, ACLU of Louisiana, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Freedom From Religion Foundation (civil rights/First Amendment);Represented artist in a First Amendment Challenge to Unconstitutional Permitting Policies in Oxford, Mississippi. Co-counsel is the ACLU of Mississippi (civil rights/First Amendment); Yael Canaan in Canaan v. Carnegie Mellon University; Promise of Justice Initiative Resentencing (criminal justice reform).
Sustainability & CSR
The view from the firm: Promoting sustainability and environmental protection initiatives are a priority for Simpson Thacher. As a responsible member of the global community, we have implemented environmentally sound Firm policies across our offices. Nearly all of our offices worldwide are either LEED-certified or hold other notable sustainability certifications. Across all offices, we’ve partnered with vendors and suppliers that provide environmentally friendly products and services, modified printers to enable double-sided printing, secure print and use only recycled paper.
Additionally, we’ve established enhanced recycling procedures for electronics and adopted electronic pay stubs in lieu of paper pay stubs. In select offices, we have deployed energy-saving HVAC systems, installed energy efficient lighting, enabled energy saving devices settings, promoted the use of reusable water bottles through hydration stations, eliminated single use cups and mugs and introduced reusable cups, mugs, plates, bowls, cutlery and composting. In our other offices, we’ve added compostable utensils and eco-friendly containers instead of plastic.
Simpson Thacher has undertaken initiatives to annually measure the firm’s GHG emissions on a global level. We are members of the EPA Green Power Partnership through which we purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) equal to 50% of our energy consumption in our New York headquarters with a goal to expand RECs in other offices. In 2024, the Firm participated in the Climate Disclosure Project (CDP), Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR), Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS). Also in 2024, the New York office replaced lighting fixtures with LEDs. 2025 initiatives include but are not limited to mapping our scope 3 value chain mapping and a remodel in our Palo Alto office that will improve energy and heating and cooling systems.
Simpson Thacher also teams with various organizations to advocate for environmental protection worldwide. We dedicate a significant amount of pro bono time to important environmental causes, including representing the Natural Resources Defense Council on litigation, corporate and other matters since its founding nearly 50 years ago. The firm has also partnered with other organizations on environmentally focused pro bono matters, including working with the Eastern Environmental Law Center and the Rainforest Foundation US.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: New York: Catherine Sparks
Lateral Recruiting Manager
Phone: +1-212-455-2346
Email Address: AttyRec@STBLAW.com
Houston: Jessica Jones
Manager, Legal Recruiting & Associate Life
Phone: +1-713-821-5647
Email Address: HoustonRecruiting@stblaw.com
London: Natalie Koenig
Senior Recruitment Manager
Phone: +44-(0)20-7275-6114
Email Address: LondonRecruiting@stblaw.com
Los Angeles: Gabriella Marello
Senior Manager, Legal Recruiting & Associate Life
Phone: +1-310-407-6916
Email Address: LosAngelesRecruiting@stblaw.com
Palo Alto: Lauren Adriani
Director of Legal Talent – Regional Strategy
Phone: +1-650-251-5129
Email Address: PArecruiting@stblaw.com
Washington, D.C: Lindsay Rance
Manager, Legal Recruiting & Associate Life
Phone: +1-202-636-5531
Email Address: DCRecruiting@stblaw.com