While working in BigLaw typically comes at a Price, Vedder’s blend of culture and clients means you won’t have to think twice.
Vedder Price Lateral Profile 2025
Have you ever come across the term ‘Midwest Nice?’ Often used to describe the friendly, helpful, and polite nature of the American Midwest’s people, you’d be forgiven for thinking it is too stereotypical to be true, but “we are the typical Midwestern American environment!” one associate at Chi-town native Vedder Price enthused. Many of our interviewees mentioned Vedder Price’s proud position in the BigLaw space, albeit with a “smaller firm vibe.” Sources sought to find the holy grail of balancing high-level work with a friendlier culture and were pleased to report that Vedder Price struck the perfect chord. With top billing in aviation and maritime finance, labor and employment, litigation, and government contracts in the Chambers USA guide, it was clear to see how one source was drawn in by “an international component and reputable, well-known practices.” As another neatly surmised, Vedder Price is “a way to get into BigLaw, to have great training and high-level clients without having to hold your breath for two years and see if you can hold on.”
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…
“Great M&A practice. The firm encourages an entrepreneurial approach to associate development and provides robust support for associate business development.”
“I wanted a greater variety of work experience (e.g., both lender and borrower side, different kinds of deals) and a firm that was big enough to have resources but small enough to feel more close.”
“The firm has a small feel but with big transactions.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
6 |
0.86 : 1 |
92% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
93% |
77% |
94% |
||
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with childcare/caregiver responsibilities | felt partnership was achievable at the firm | agreed partners are nurturing future leaders |
||
Hours & Compensation
|
1,850 |
10 |
45.4 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
75% |
81% |
38% |
| 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: $230,000 - $235,000
*The firm did not disclose salaries beyond this point.
Is Vedder Price the right firm for you?
|
76% |
100% |
71% |
|
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...
“I genuinely love the environment of the firm and the way it is structured. Everyone's doors are always open, and questions are encouraged. It is a firm where learning and growth is not only easy but enjoyable.”
“You’re working on sophisticated deals within a welcoming environment. There are opportunities for growth and partners who are willing to teach.”
“I appreciate the size of the firm being smaller and more intimate but still having all the structures and resources of a larger big law firm. The size allows younger associates to get work that would not be given until they were much more senior at the other larger BigLaw firms.”
Pro Bono
|
25 |
80% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: National Immigrant Justice Center (immigration asylum matters); Buried Alive (criminal justice – advocating for sentence reductions for those serving time for federal drug convictions); The Human Trafficking Legal Center (representing victims of human trafficking); Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (GAL matters); Public Counsel’s Center for Veterans Advancement (veterans advocacy).
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Pamela Masters, Manager of Legal Recruiting
Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Dallas offices
Elise Rippe, Manager of Legal Recruiting
New York, Washington, DC, London, Singapore and Miami offices