Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP - The Inside View

What sets BigLaw firms apart? Is it their stellar private equity work? Their big-ticket corporate cases? Or is it their excellent reputation in the field? Well, Simpson Thacher checks all of these boxes, but our associate interviewees were keen to emphasize that it was the people that separated the firm from the pack: “I interviewed for a lot of firms, but at STB, they seemed genuinely interested in me as an individual rather than one of the herd. I felt really valued and wanted as a candidate, and everyone was so down to earth.”

"...at STB, they seemed genuinely interested in me as an individual rather than one of the herd...."

Of course, the work was a massive attraction. 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.

Most of the associates we spoke to were based in New York, which is the firm’s largest office. Others were practising in Houston, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, and DC.

Simpson Thacher is recognized as a Strong Performer for Associate Satisfaction and two other categories in our 2025 survey.

Strategy & Future

Alden Millard, chair of Simpson Thacher’s Executive Committee, shares that the firm is “very bullish about 2025,” following a strong 2024. Millard attributes the firm’s success its distinct identity in the market which he believes is founded on “a commercial approach to problem-solving, underpinned by a collegial and collaborative culture.”

STB is continuing down the path of creating and retaining “best-in-class lawyers in every practice area around the world,” as well as hiring fresh talent at their newly opened Boston and Luxembourg offices. This is an example of the firm making tactical investments “to grow in both practice areas and geographies,” according to Millard. The firm will continue to promote from within. Millard mentioned that last year saw the largest class of partners being promoted internally in the firm’s history. Looking ahead to 2025, the firm is focusing on several key practices including registered funds, IP, cybersecurity, strategic M&A, and tax.

The Work

Most junior associates are found in the corporate department, followed by the litigation and real estate groups. However, there are a good number stationed in tax, executive compensation and employee benefits, and exempt organizations too. All work at STB is assigned via a centralized staffing system, which we heard is very helpful as it “allows everyone to keep a balanced workload.” It was also particularly beneficial for newbies as they have someone else to manage their workload. So, the system gives juniors the chance to work on different types of deals and collaborate with a range of people. One insider shared, “Staffers check in with you weekly to ask how your workload is. They can help us out if we are underwater or if you’re free, you can get more.”

Corporate juniors begin with two rotations, which many saw as a big perk. As one source explained, “When you are a summer associate, you get to try everything you want. When you return, you can indicate your top choices for your rotations.” Most interviewees received their top choices, and we even heard that there is an opportunity to do a third rotation if it's in one of the smaller groups. Finance work in this department can come from a variety of funds ranging from both the borrower's and the lender's side. Typical work in the department may involve advising mutual funds on corporate governance, advising on SEC filings, updating funds on new regulations and helping them comply. Junior tasks typically consist of things like reviewing materials, taking minutes and preparing memos for executive boards to name a few.

When asked about their experience in the department, one insider said, “I am super happy; I have been learning from day one. You do the full range of tasks. Some are the basic stuff that every registered fund lawyer should know, and then you also do the more significant and substantive work. It always feels like you’re solving a piece of the puzzle!” While the workload can be hefty, one source assured us that “the transactions are always so interesting, and you get to learn the products, how they work and why funds do the things they do.”

Corporate clients: Microsoft, Paramount Global, American Electric Power Company. Advised Cisco Systems in connection with its $28 billion equity acquisition of Splunk.

“Staffers check in with you weekly to ask how your workload is. They can help us out if we are underwater, or if you’re free, you can get more.”

In the capital markets  group, once again, associates can work on various sides of a matter, such as on behalf of the issuer or underwriter. The firm handles a mix of equity and debt work, with one junior sharing, “On the debt side, we do a lot of high-yield debt just as frequently as we do investment grade deals.” One of the most exciting types of work in this group involves IPOs, which has been quiet lately, but are set to pick up soon: “There are a few in the pipeline.”

The central staffing model got a thumbs up for allowing associates to gain experience across various aspects of capital markets. Juniors tend to stick to the more junior/mid-level tasks, and “incrementally get more responsibility as you go.” One associate reflected, "As a junior, your ego may want more, but it is so important in this type of work to understand the basics. You also get a lot of support from mid-level and senior associates.” Some of the main tasks for juniors include managing signatures, checklists, and drafting ancillary documents.

Capital markets clients: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo Securities. Represented the underwriters (Barclays, BofA Securities, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo) on the public offering of Senior Notes for CVS Health.

Career Development

First years are welcomed to the firm with the STBReady program, which provides business and finance literacy training taught by Columbia Law School. Millard highlights the firm’s commitment to this, saying, “We're continuing to invest in people—especially through strong training and mentorship. We’ve invested heavily in associate development programs. Associates agree, sharing,“It was astonishing to me how good the training was, the resources they have and the time attorneys at all levels are willing to spend on us is incredible.”

During the first weeks, there are several training sessions, and once those are completed, associates move onto the STBAdvanced program. One interviewee commented, “There is a clear focus on getting associates to hit the ground running by helping us learn and develop. Between that and the people we can look up to in the firm, you have everything you need to become a terrific lawyer in our sphere.” The firm also arranges formal associate and partner mentors for each rotation or permanent practice assignment. Informally, we were told that everyone in the firm is very friendly and willing to help, with higher level attorneys taking time to explain complex concepts to juniors.

“You have everything you need to become a terrific lawyer in our sphere.”

In terms of career progression, there is an emphasis on juniors to “go out and make connections.” Though, it was stressed that it is very easy to go out and get feedback on your work. In terms of making partner, the conversations come later, usually when you’re at mid-level and above. The firm does place a “real focus on homegrown talent,” with around 70 to 80% of counsel and partnership promotions in the recent round coming from those who started their careers at the firm.

Culture, Hours & Compensation

Billable hours: no requirement

When asked about the lack of billable hour requirement, one interviewee explained, “The firm just sort of doesn’t believe in it. It’s not the culture they want to cultivate. It’s not so much about having a minimum hour’s requirement, instead just making sure we are performing best for the clients.” This system was appreciated by our interviewees, one of whom noted, “It really takes the pressure off from worrying about not getting a bonus or things like that!” Insiders mentioned that all associates receive the same bonus provided they are in good standing. Associates can rely on the centralized staffing system to guide their billable hours.

As for working hours, they are what you would expect in BigLaw. Most associates reported working around 9.30-5.30pm in the office, with a few extra hours at home. One newbie shared, “There is no expectation to be in the office until 8pm.” Associates aren't bound by a formal policy when it comes to the number of days they are required in the office, and it varies by team, but we heard most associates are in four days a week.

In terms of the culture, associates described the firm as very social. In fact, “people are always laughing and smiling. The people here work hard and enjoy having fun. There is a great mixture of people who prefer going home early and people who are younger and want to go out for dinner and drinks after work,” reflected one source. This means: “there is a place for everyone which is pretty cool.” The centralized staffing system also contributes to the culture, as another interviewee surmised, “I never feel the need to step on toes to make partner or hustle for work.” This system was cited as an essential ingredient for cultivating a non-competitive sense of camaraderie amongst juniors.

Simpson Thacher is recognized as The Elite for Quality of Life in our 2025 survey.

Pro Bono

Even though there isn’t a billable hour target, STB ensures that associates get credit for pro bono work as it shows up in their billables. This is unlimited, so all of their pro bono will be credited, which one source described as a “nice perk.”

“The firm is very generous with pro bono, and it gives associates a chance to do very hands-on work.”

Associates are encouraged to undertake at least 20 hours of pro bono, though we heard “many colleagues do significantly more.” The work focuses on important issues such as aiding asylum seekers, immigration work, and felony expungement work.

One interviewee told us, “The firm is very generous with pro bono, and it gives associates a chance to do very hands-on work.” Plus, there is a dedicated pro bono team that releases a newsletter with all the different matters you can get involved in. There is also the chance to sit on associate boards of non-profits and aid them with activities such as organizing food drives. “The dedicated pro bono team are always there to help you on matters and are so enthusiastic to do so,” mused one junior, adding, “They always make an effort to highlight the associates and partners who do a lot of pro bono to make us feel good.”

Pro bono hours

• For all (US) attorneys: 47,151
• Average per (US) attorney: 27

Inclusion

“The firm is consistently making an effort to increase its initiatives,” shared one associate. These efforts seem to be working, with insiders reporting good representation at the junior level and efforts to replicate this at more senior levels. One of the standout programs is “definitely the Women’s Initiative,” which is praised as “very strong.” The initiative hosts monthly coffee chats with various partners and associates. Juniors even reported that these meet ups are a great way to connect and find a mentor.

Coming soon...