Haynes and Boone, LLP - The Inside View

Families can help people accomplish great things. Wednesday Addams has the support of hers, the Gilmore girls band together… don’t even get us started on the guys from Fast & Furious! The values are clear, and that’s why when we say ‘family’ in the legal world, we mean Haynes Boone. “I want to start a family one day, and there’s no better firm I know that will accommodate that,” one insider buzzed, “It might be the Texan culture, but having lives outside of work is crucial here.” Managing partner Taylor Wilson agrees, citing that “We strive to create an environment that is collaborative, supportive and conducive to teamwork, which allows our lawyers to perform at a high level while maintaining sustainability in their careers.”

“It might be the Texan culture, but having lives outside of work is crucial here.”

Multiple sources we spoke with highlighted this as being chief among the reasons they joined the firm, along with the quality of the work: “People may not be run into the ground with work here, but what we do is top tier across the board,” an interviewee emphasized. Chambers USA can attest to that quality, having given the firm trophies in over 40 departments including litigation, intellectual property, insurance, bankruptcy/restructuring, healthcare, labor & employment, and more. With work of that caliber and the opportunity to build your life outside of it, it’s no wonder one junior described it as “a place where whole people come to work; they don’t just live to work.”

Haynes Boone is recognized as a Strong Performer for Junior Satisfaction and a Strong Performer for Mid to Senior Satisfaction in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Strategy & Future

Wilson is eager to shout out the firm’s recent growth efforts, and that’s no surprise. Haynes Boone has hired 85 laterals over the last year, and at 20 offices strong worldwide, it shows no sign of stopping: “New York is now our second-largest office following 35% headcount growth in 2025, and London has become our fourth-largest office, expanding from 16 to 60 lawyers over the past decade,” Wilson nods. So, where is Wilson steering the firm as it continues to bolster its numbers? The future, of course! “AI is also driving broader industry trends, including increased demand for data centers and the energy required to support them, contributing to strong activity across our energy, real estate and corporate practices,” he explains.

Read our full conversation with Taylor Wilson under the ‘Get Hired’ tab.

Haynes Boone is recognized as a Strong Performer for AI Integration in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Summer Program

Summers at Haynes Boone are exposed to a variety of tasks, which “helps give you a clear picture of what to expect at the firm.” We heard substantive work, though double and triple checked by seniors, was common, and juniors boasted that most tasks originated from client projects. As for the social calendar, we heard talk about go karting, athletic events, and gatherings at partners’ houses. One amused source quipped that “I came into the job knowing pretty much exactly what it would be like… minus all the wining and dining of course.”

The Work

Some of the firm’s prolific practice groups were only based out of one office; for example, the energy & power group resides in Houston, and the healthcare/life sciences/FDA department calls Dallas home. Other groups, such as financial transactions and business litigation, were more evenly spread across the firm’s national footprint. All departments seemed to promote a free market system, as one junior recalled: “I had to learn to ask when I was slow and get over the awkwardness of reaching out,” but that should snowball until “I’m at the point where I have to work out how to say no to work!”

Haynes Boone is recognized as a Strong Performer for Work Allocation & Autonomy in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

The energy & power group is housed in Houston, which tracks as the city is “the energy capital of the world,” as one source put it. While it makes sense that the department handles a lot of energy related matters, it’s more accurate to say the group name comes more from their clients than the workload: “Our group services oil, gas, and power clients in a broad variety of ways.” This can range from traditional business disputes, employment work, breach of contract, complex commercial disputes, energy litigation, and more. In terms of what newbies will be getting their hands on, we heard it “may change from associate to associate,” with some grounding in the fact that “you can get looped into everything you want.”

Substantive work is common and derives from a group culture where “they treat every attorney as an integral part of the team, and I have a very active role on each of my matters.” Juniors will be trying their hand at doc review, discovery, writing up motions, communicating with opposing counsel, matter management, taking the lead on drafting, organizing calendars, setting meetings, and generally making sure the team is accountable. “I really enjoy the writing and research part of the job,” one associate contemplated, “It’s intellectually more stimulating, and I don’t feel like I’m a junior at all.”

Energy & power clients: Texas Petroleum Investment Company, ONEOK, Earthstone Energy. Advised Ecopetrol USA, the largest company in Colombia and a significant player in the integrated energy space, on the extension and development of its joint venture.

“We get to jump into mid-level work pretty much straight away.”

The capital markets and securities team is one of the larger groups at the firm, and rookies noted that “we’re only getting busier as the group keeps growing.” With primarily public companies on its client list, work here is mostly divided into three distinct buckets: compliance, corporate governance, and broad deal work, such as IPOs and mergers. As one source eloquently but it: “If money is going one way and stock is going another, then that’s when we get involved.” Typical tasks include discrete drafting ancillary documents, due diligence, legal research, running registration statements, and checking comments. “We get to jump into mid-level work pretty much straight away,” one insider was eager to relay about their levels of responsibility, as well as the general substantive scope of their work. “I love deal work! It’s so much fun working out how something fits together,” another exclaimed, “It’s fast paced, and you’re at the center of it.”

Capital markets and securities clients: High Trail Capital, NexMetals Mining Corp, DallasNews Corporation. Advised American Integrity Insurance Group, a property and casualty insurance provider, on its initial public offering worth $126.5 million in common stock.

In the combined workgroup of healthcare/life sciences/FDA, associates are mostly siloed into one of the three specific sections. “We’re more of an industry practice group,” began one junior, “so we service any client in those spaces – from physicians and hospitals to consumer products like pharmaceuticals and medical devices.” On the FDA side of things, those products can touch anything that requires regulation, including shampoo, makeup, dietary supplements… even baby food! Variety is definitely the spice of life for these juniors; no two days are the same, as this insider chuckled: “I can be doing food in the morning, biotech in the afternoon… it makes every day unique!”

With both transactional and regulatory work experience up for grabs, juniors can expect such tasks as legal research, doc review, first drafts of agreements and memos, and client meetings. One insider did warn that “you have to be very detail oriented in this group, even more so than most lawyers” due to the specialized nature of the work. That being said, the substantive and bespoke work on offer thrilled our interviewees. “I love diving into new regulations and new laws that people don’t have a lot of experience with yet,” one source gushed, “It’s really fun and different to look at these regulations that people haven’t really touched before.”

Healthcare clients: Healthcare Partners Investments, Cathay Capital, Vizient Inc. Represents Ventavia Research Group in a variety of matters, including a non-intervene qui tam case over alleged fraud claims concerning the clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Culture

One clear point of pride among associates was the firm’s culture, which was described as a “best of both worlds law firm; there’s sophisticated work, but you can also have a nice life outside the office.” That latter point seemed to hold real value with our interviewees, with one gushing that “there’s a big emphasis on, ‘You’re a professional, but you also have a family. So, do what you need to do, and then go home to them.’” That feeling only lends itself to a warm, open-door policy that radiates across all levels of the firm: “We have an extroverted disposition here that fosters a more communal culture.”

Events were an occurrence (though “not as common as you may think”) and ranged from happy hours and BBQ tastings to Thanksgiving lunches, holiday parties, and more. While some juniors noted that “there isn’t necessarily an appetite for outside-of-work social activity when we’re so busy and just want to see our families when it’s done,” others highlighted that the events were just one of the many ways the firm promotes “a constant sense of bringing everyone together.”

A slightly controversial topic was that of the firmwide hybrid working policy, which went up from three days a week to four this past year. Our interviewees reported a general sense of disapproval of the change, but even so, our particular crop of insiders were unbothered. In fact, they noted: “Being a junior, it’s more beneficial to be in four days anyway, and that’s what I already do.”

Haynes Boone is recognized as a Strong Performer for Culture in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Career Development

“I’ve been set up for success in every way,” a junior revealed, “whether that’s long term, or looking for something further down the road.” Well, that’s great to hear! Case closed… Just kidding. Diving into the specifics of career development at Haynes Boone will reveal a dedicated attorney development team that helps build out both formal and informal structures to allow associates to prosper. “They’re great at advancing our time here,” one newbie explained, “It’s something they’ve really stepped up recently as well.”

Although informal mentorship and learning-by-doing took up a large portion of attorney development, there are weekly programs, webinars, and lectures available as well. More bespoke offerings include litigation bootcamps, public speaking courses, and deposition training – all designed to set associates up for a better shot at firm longevity. Speaking of which, sources said the path to partnership seemed transparent, with that possibility unlocking in your eighth year. Juniors were confident in its attainability, with one likening it to this: “At this firm, you’re dating to marry, not to just date!”

Haynes Boone is recognized as a Strong Performer for Career Development in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Inclusion

By and large, insiders felt the firm promotes an inclusive work environment having laid a foundation for diverse attorneys to thrive at the firm, with one observing that “I get most of my work from women and diverse people, so I would say we’re well represented.” Affinity groups were a main fixture, with tentpoles for different ethnicities, LGBTQ+, veterans, first generation lawyers, and more. One group worth a shoutout is the working parents and caregivers group, which hosted a Halloween party where employees of all levels could bring in their children for a spooky dose of trick or treating. Sounds like a case of Haynes and BoOoOo to us! (Sorry.)

Hours & Compensation

Billable hours: 2,000 target

To secure the full bonus and keep in good standing, the firm asks its associates to hit a target of 2,000 billable hours. Within that, 100 hours may be attributed to pro bono, with a further 50 coming in for inclusion hours. There is also the option to increase this with permission (and depending on the project). Juniors felt the target was “attainable, although the market conditions haven’t been the best lately.” Some interviewees did note that the expectation to reach the target can be practice area dependent, with associates in certain groups rarely hitting the required hours. Juniors in those positions did report that a partial bonus can be awarded, and in even better news, both the salary and bonus are in line with the market.

Hours fluctuated from associate to associate, but we heard they “have never come close to pulling an all-nighter.” Instead, they shift their hours around the commitments they might have during the day (especially in the case of parents and carers). “They’re very supportive of people in that situation,” one interviewee divulged, “They want you to get the work done any way you can.”

“They’re super receptive to what you want to focus on!”

Haynes Boone is recognized as a Strong Performer for Benefits & Quality of Life in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Pro Bono

With 100 billable hours up for grabs, associates were happy to relay that pro bono was “commonly available and definitely encouraged.” Interviewees waxed lyrical about monthly pro bono clinics, newsletters, and other such sources available to involve associates in the work. The firm also promotes a proactive pro bono approach (if you can forgive the tongue twister) insofar as “you can source your own matters and get them approved through the head of department. They’re super receptive to what you want to focus on!”

If hunting your own matters doesn’t take your fancy, thankfully, there is quite an array of causes on offer, such as veterans’ work, immigration cases, women’s shelters matters, and the Dallas Volunteering Program. “You can tailor your pro bono efforts however you like,” one junior beamed, “Sometimes, you can even get additional credit over the 100 hours.”

Pro bono hours 

• For all US attorneys: 17,753
• Average per US attorney: 44

Haynes Boone is recognized as a Strong Performer for Pro Bono in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Get Hired  

Students will meet around 6 attorneys (mix of partners and associates) during their interviews. 

2L Callbacks   

Applicants invited to interview: 26 interviews from direct application.

Around 75% of 2L summers have completed either a 1L summer or other work experience at the firm before their 2L summer. The other 25% are found through direct applications.   

Callbacks consist of two to four 20-minute interview sessions, with the candidate meeting with two attorneys in each interview session. Brad Holdbrook, the firm's entry-level hiring partner, tells us that interviewers will be looking for candidates to demonstrate “effective communication skills, willingness to be an effective member of teams, leadership potential, commitment to community service, and an established motivation to succeed.” Typical inquiries of interviewees include requests to describe their accomplishments, motivations, how they have navigated difficult situations, why they are interested in Haynes Boone, and how they could add to the firm’s culture.   

Holdbrook tells us that during the callback process, the firm is “particularly interested in a candidate’s reason for interest in our firm, the chosen city for which they are interviewing, and any practice areas the candidate may be interested in.” As such, during callbacks, candidates can expect the questions and conversation to be more focused on specific practice areas and markets.   

Top tips for this stage:   

“Come prepared to discuss why our firm and/or certain practice areas are a fit for your skills, ask specific questions that relate to the firm or our clients, and explain how you can add to the culture at Haynes Boone.” – entry-level hiring partner, Brad Holdbrook  

"Be able to articulate your interest in the firm and office location. Describe your specific interest in, or ask questions about, practice areas in the office in which you are interviewing. Be prepared but be yourself.” – entry-level hiring partner Brad Holdbrook   

Summer program   

Offers:  3 offers extended out of fall/spring recruiting in addition to  14 returning 1Ls   

Acceptances: 2/3 accepted   

Depending on office, summer associates sample two or more distinct practice areas in which they are interested. They are involved in client meetings, closings, negotiations, depositions, trials, and hearings. Typical tasks include drafting research memos, motions and briefs, and sampling a “broad range of transactional documents.” Holdbrook tells us that the firm has a “well-rounded approach to our summer programs that enables each summer associate to demonstrate their analytical, advocacy, and writing skills. Our goal is for our summer program to model what life as an associate would look like.”   

The firm assigns each summer associate a partner supervisor, who oversees their work. Each summer associate also receives an associate mentor to “help answer questions and navigate the clerkship.” Summers also get to experience pro bono work, presentations, a public speaking seminar, CLEs, and training. Around 95-100% of 2L summer associates are given offers to join as associates and offers are usually extended for a specific department.   

Notable summer events: dinners, events, and outings. “Social events throughout the summer are designed so the summer associates can meet a broad array of the lawyers in their office and fully experience the city in which they are clerking.”   

Top tips for this stage:   

“Take advantage of the resources provided by the firm, including the many attorneys that will make themselves available to you for guidance and mentorship.  Ask questions and pay attention to detail on assignments. Finally, observe the way attorneys in your office interact with each other and the clients of the firm; that will give you invaluable insight into a day in the life of a future at Haynes Boone.” – entry-level hiring partner Brad Holdbrook  

Interview with Taylor Wilson, chair and firmwide managing partner

Commercial strategy, market position and trends

Chambers Associate: How would you define your firm’s current position and identity in the legal market? What differentiates your firm from your peer firms in the market?

Taylor Wilson: Haynes Boone is a well-established, nationally recognized firm with a growing global presence, built through decades of disciplined investment and consistent execution. Today, with nearly 800 lawyers across key U.S. and international markets, we continue to expand intentionally in ways that align with client demand and long-term strategic priorities, all within a financial model that has remained debt-free and focused on long-term stability.

What differentiates us is not only the strength of our platform, but the consistency of our culture. We are deeply committed to a client-first approach that shapes how we practice, collaborate and grow as a firm. That culture is grounded in collegiality, mutual trust and respect, and a notably low-ego environment where teamwork and shared success are prioritized over individual recognition.

We also place a strong emphasis on maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset. As the legal and business landscape continues to evolve, we encourage our lawyers to anticipate change, engage in emerging areas and position themselves where our clients need us most. That combination of discipline, collaboration and adaptability allows us to remain both stable and forward-looking.

CA: Have there been any developments at the firm over the past year that you’d like law students to know about?

Wilson: Over the past year, we have continued to grow in a deliberate and strategic way, with a focus on building a platform that offers meaningful opportunities for early-career lawyers. That includes significant lateral expansion alongside continued investment in entry-level talent, ensuring that our teams are both well-supported and positioned for long-term growth.

We have also expanded into areas that are shaping the future of the legal and business landscape. We have been closely involved in developments surrounding the Texas Stock Exchange, advising on its formation and capital strategy, and we launched a Texas Corporate Governance Practice to support companies relocating or reincorporating in the state. Those efforts are placing our lawyers at the center of a growing trend as businesses increasingly look to Texas as a strategic base, creating opportunities to work on complex, high-impact matters early on.

Our geographic growth has been equally meaningful for young lawyers. New York is now our second-largest office following 35% headcount growth in 2025, and London has become our fourth-largest office, expanding from 16 to 60 lawyers over the past decade. That sustained investment in key markets is creating broader opportunities for cross-office collaboration and international experience.

CA: Are there any domestic or international events/trends that are affecting any of the firm’s practices at the moment? Are there any trends that you think are affecting the business of law firms more generally, and how is that playing out with your firm?

Wilson: One of the most significant developments shaping the legal market is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and its impact on both our clients’ businesses and the delivery of legal services. At Haynes Boone, we are focused on the responsible application of these tools, ensuring they enhance efficiency while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality and ethical standards. AI is also driving broader industry trends, including increased demand for data centers and the energy required to support them, contributing to strong activity across our energy, real estate and corporate practices.

We are also seeing the effects of geopolitical developments on our energy and international trade practices, which are advising clients on complex issues tied to developments in regions such as Iran and Venezuela.

In capital markets, the environment has evolved meaningfully. We are seeing renewed momentum in IPO and dual-listing activity, particularly in the UK. Our team has been directly involved in that shift, advising on transactions that have helped reopen the market and keep it active, whether that’s the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq or London Stock Exchange.

CA: What is your firm’s commercial strategy focusing on, and how do you expect the next year to unfold?

Wilson: Our commercial strategy continues to focus on disciplined growth in areas where we are seeing — and anticipating — sustained client demand, all within a financial model that remains debt-free and oriented toward long-term stability. Over the past year, that was led by significant strength in our Business Transactions Department (capital markets and M&A), alongside continued activity across our litigation, intellectual property and finance practices. That strong practice mix allows us to generate consistent growth across varying market conditions.

At the same time, our Texas platform remains a meaningful driver of growth. As Texas continues to attract businesses due to its favorable regulatory and economic environment, we are well positioned to support clients through reincorporation. Our involvement with the Texas Stock Exchange, along with our work advising clients navigating the Texas Business Court system and developing best practices within it, reflects our focus on being closely aligned with these evolving developments.

CA: How integral is the firm’s commitment to a work life balance to its success?

Wilson: We strive to create an environment that is collaborative, supportive and conducive to teamwork, which allows our lawyers to perform at a high level while maintaining sustainability in their careers.

We support our people through programs like HBWell, which provides a comprehensive suite of wellness resources available to all employees, including mental health support, resources for caregiving and family needs, and fertility benefits. These investments reflect our view that supporting our people holistically is essential to maintaining a strong and sustainable firm.

That approach has tangible benefits. We see strong retention relative to our peers, which creates continuity for our clients and preserves institutional knowledge across matters.

Inside the Firm

CA: How is the firm evolving to accommodate the needs/expectations of the next generation of lawyers?

Wilson: We have taken a deliberate approach to understanding and responding to the evolving expectations of the next generation of lawyers. That begins with listening. We regularly gather feedback across the firm to better understand what our people need and where we can improve, particularly in areas such as wellness and overall work experience, and we have continued to refine our approach based on that input.

Beyond our wellness program, inclusion and engagement are equally important and reflect our core values as a firm. Our inclusion networks are open to anyone, each supported by executive leadership, provide meaningful opportunities for connection, mentorship and professional development across the firm. These programs have been highly active and well-utilized, reinforcing a culture that is both inclusive and collaborative.

The Fun Bit

CA: Throwing it back to law school: it's been a long day of classes and studying. What's your go-to easy meal to have before you crash?

Wilson: Cheeseburger, French fries, and chocolate milkshake. I’m guilty!

CA: What was the first concert you attended?

Wilson: Boston, 1979, and the backup band was AC/DC. How about that?!

CA: Thinking about the ways in which the legal profession is developing, what is the one skill you have learnt in your career that you think is key for young attorneys to learn?

Wilson: The one key is the importance of spending time with each other and with people in multiple practice areas to understand the full playing field.