At this DC dynamo, litigators are shaping law in the courtroom, and all the way up to Capitol Hill.
WilmerHale Lateral Profile 2025
If you keep on top of the news, chances are you’ve seen a case handled by WilmerHale making the headlines. With the likes of Meta, Visa and Apple as regulars, it’s easy to see how. But WH’s reputation came in two distinct parts for associates joining the ranks. Firstly, for some it was the strong ties to government. In fact, it would be difficult to find a firm with more links to the government than this DC and Boston headquartered outfit. So much so, that when associates leave the firm, it’s usually to take up roles within the government. Likewise, don’t be too shocked to see ex-government officials making a return to the office, as it’s common for attorneys to leave and return to the firm after a stint in the Capitol.
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Why did you join your firm? Associates say…
“I choose WilmerHale because of the interesting IP litigation work that the firm does and the firm's culture.”
“WH is the best big firm in Boston to be a litigator. I heard very good things about the culture – in particular that associates were treated with respect and given opportunities to do high-level work.”
“The high caliber of practitioners and clients I would be able to work with - directly and indirectly - would make me a better lawyer in all aspects.”
Strategic Recruitment Focuses 2025
Corporate careers
The view from the firm: Our premier corporate practice provides practical, solutions-oriented advice on the most important issues faced by fast-growing companies in technology, life sciences and regulated industries. Leveraging our experience in the areas of emerging companies, venture capital, public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and strategic alliances, we help our clients achieve strategic advantage, navigate complex legal and business issues, and realize their long-term business objectives. We represent more than 100 public companies and 1,000 private companies, investment banks, venture capital and growth equity firms, and individual entrepreneurs. Associates in the corporate group draft and negotiate numerous types of agreements, as well as play critical roles in the planning, structuring, negotiating and closing processes. They also advise on day-to-day matters directly with our clients, including corporate formation, commercial contracts, financings and strategic transactions, as well as securities, disclosure and corporate governance matters.
Securities and financial services clients: Citibank, UBS Financial Services, Barclays Financial Corp.
Recent work highlight: Representing PricewaterhouseCoopers AG in a putative securities class action arising from its audits of Credit Suisse Group AG.
Government and regulatory litigation careers
The view from the firm: WilmerHale’s Government and Regulatory Litigation Group combines the firm’s substantive regulatory capabilities and its familiarity with litigation involving the government and regulatory organizations to handle disputes in which clients’ interests intersect with government, regulatory and public policy issues. Associates in this group research legal issues, draft and file pleadings, and engage in fact and expert discovery while working with senior lawyers to craft case strategy.
Government and regulatory litigation clients: The Boeing Company, Visa, UK Department for Business and Trade.
Recent work highlight: Advised Intel Corporation on a $9 billion transaction involving semiconductor memory technology.
Trial careers
The view from the firm: WilmerHale’s Trial Practice, with more than 300 lawyers and support professionals across the US and Europe, has a legendary history of trial victories stretching back many decades. Our Trial Practice has tried 175 cases and arbitration merit hearings in the past 10 years alone. We have more than 40 lawyers with first-chair trial and arbitration experience and seven fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers. This group cuts across our firm’s regulatory, commercial, intellectual property, criminal, antitrust, international arbitration and securities teams. This allows us to assemble trial teams that marry top-tier trial expertise with whatever substantive knowledge is necessary for the particular case. Associates in this group research legal issues, draft and file pleadings, and engage in fact and expert discovery while working with senior lawyers to craft case strategy.
Litigation clients: Walmart, Meta, T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Recent work highlight: Represented the Special Committee of Board of Directors of OpenAI to conduct a review events following the removal of Sam Altman and Greg Brockman from the Board of Directors and Altman’s termination as CEO.
Intellectual property careers
The view from the firm: With more than 200 general IP, IP litigation and appellate lawyers, we offer clients a deep pool of experience across all issues related to their intellectual property. Our lawyers have prevailed in notable disputes for many of today’s most significant companies in technology, pharmaceuticals and other industries. Areas of focus include: patent litigation; intellectual property appeals; post-grant proceedings; Hatch-Waxman and biologics litigation; international trade commission; intersection of antitrust and IP; trade secrets; copyright, trademark and trade secrets litigation; IP in international markets; and cases in front of the Unified Patent Court and in the Western District of Texas. In addition to litigation-based projects, attorneys in this group advise and counsel clients on various IP matters involving copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets as well as draft, file and prosecute patent applications before the USPTO and foreign counterparts.
International & Secondment Opportunities
Overseas career development opportunities (view from the firm): WilmerHale's International Arbitration Practice Group provides a unique opportunity for lawyers from across the globe to experience the realities of a busy international arbitration practice and to learn from colleagues who are leaders in their field. Attorneys in this practice are exposed to a wide range of international commercial disputes and take on factual and legal assignments stemming from current cases.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
12 |
0.01 : 1 |
59% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
54% |
26% |
70% |
||
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with childcare/caregiver responsibilites | felt partnership was achievable at the firm | agreed partners are nurturing future leaders |
||
The view from the firm: The Career Advancement Program at WilmerHale offers hands-on mentoring, a competency-based approach to professional development, flexible career paths, comprehensive training, and competitive compensation. We pride ourselves on the quality of our legal work, believing that superb legal skills are built through broad work experiences, formal training by experienced practitioners, and strong mentoring relationships.
Hours & Compensation
|
2,000 |
12 |
48 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
53% |
71% |
64% |
| 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: WilmerHale has a lockstep compensation system. Associate and Counsel salaries are based on their seniority level within the organization.
Is WilmerHale the right firm for you?
|
75% |
81% |
78% |
|
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: We are looking for individuals whose character, intelligence, judgment, and training will inspire confidence in their colleagues and clients. We focus on six competencies when selecting and evaluating candidates: commitment, confidence, oral communication, problem solving, teamwork and writing. Successful laterals are also lawyers that flourish in a collegial environment that emphasizes teamwork, collaboration and the spirited exchange of ideas in the pursuit of excellence.
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“While the quality of work is exceptional, the people of WilmerHale really make the difference. Folks are welcoming, encouraging, and dedicated to seeing their teammates grow as attorneys.”
“I had always heard about Wilmer's great reputation collegiality, along with the incredibly smart and dedicated lawyers who worked at the firm. I was also impressed with the values that Wilmer consistently supported through much of its representation.”
“I work with very smart, engaging people. I’ve been genuinely impressed by the generosity of everyone – including many partners – who took time to mentor me.”
Pro Bono
|
133 |
93% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: WilmerHale has a long and distinguished tradition of pro bono work. Pro bono work benefits those who otherwise cannot afford to secure legal representation. WilmerHale is committed to encouraging and supporting the participation of its attorneys in a wide variety of pro bono activities.
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