Looking for a smaller firm sporting BigLaw resources? Sounds like the Vedder Price is right!
Vedder Price Lateral Profile 2024
Whether it’s Michelle Obama, Harrison Ford or Jennifer Hudson, there are plenty of good things to come out of Chicago. But while Vedder Price has its roots firmly based in the city, it has now expanded far beyond the Midwest, with a further six offices outside of the Windy City – New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas and Miami. It’s fitting too, with their stretch across the US, that the firm’s most notable Chambers USA rankings are for transportation practices, including aviation and maritime finance. Further to their 18-year streak of top-tier rankings for aviation finance, the firm has also been recognized by Chambers USA in areas such as labor & employment, litigation, and government contracts.
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 partners seemed to be excited about young talent and I felt a sense of commitment to building up associates. I believe the partners culture is based in educating the young associates respectfully while providing realistic and useful feedback.”
“It was truly collegial and concerned about well-being. There’s the ability to cultivate relationships with individuals inside and outside of your practice group.”
“You can be whatever type of lawyer you want to be!
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
5 |
0.8 : 1 |
88% |
||
|
partners made in 2023 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
64% |
73% |
76% |
||
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with children | felt partnership was achievable at the firm | agreed partners are nurturing future leaders |
||
Hours & Compensation
|
1,850 |
10.6 |
42.3 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
67% |
66% |
67% |
| 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
*The firm does not disclose salaries beyond this point.
Is Vedder Price the right firm for you?
|
85% |
95% |
70% |
|
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...
“Everyone is extremely friendly. Every law firm will tell you during OCIs or lateral interviews, ‘what really sets us apart is our people.’ But, at Vedder Price, that statement is actually true. Every shareholder I've worked with here could be considered the best boss I've had in my career.”
“The size of the firm allows everyone to know each other. There is a healthy amount of socializing while, at the same time, everyone works diligently and takes firm business very seriously.”
“Everyone respects each other and looks out for one another - you are not a cog in a wheel at Vedder.”
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
52% |
24% |
30% |
||
|
reported diverse staffing on teams/cases/matters |
of partners are women |
of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
||
The view from the firm: Our Vedder Price Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship program is in its 19th year. Scholarship recipients receive a monetary award and a position in our upcoming Summer Associate Program.
We have continued to expand our affinity groups, including:
- Vedder Diverse
- Vedder Parents
- Vedder Pride
- WAVES: Women at Vedder Empowering Success
Pro Bono
|
27 |
79% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: National Immigrant Justice Center (immigration); Buried Alive (criminal justice – advocating for sentence reductions for thos 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, Legal Recruiting Manager, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Dallas offices
Elise Rippe, Legal Recruiting Manager, New York, Washington, DC, London, Singapore and Miami offices