Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP - The Inside View

‘Cash me if you can’ – It's a fitting mantra for a firm that hasn’t just kept pace in the world of corporate finance, but stayed consistently ahead. “Our bread and butter is leveraged finance and capital markets,” a Cahill insider told us, “and we are an industry leader.” Chambers USA  backs this up with best-in-class accolades for its nationwide performance in banking & finance, capital markets, and corporate crime & investigations. In New York specifically, the firm also earns recognition for its highly regarded bankruptcy/restructuring, environment (mainly transactional) and First Amendment media & entertainment litigation practices too.

“Our bread and butter is leveraged finance and capital markets…”

Beyond the work, juniors were clear that the environment was just as central to choosing Cahill. “The biggest thing was that it’s BigLaw, but with small firm roots,” one associate told us, “I know a lot of people and a lot of people know my name too.” With around 300 attorneys across its network of four offices in New York, DC, Delaware, and London, Cahill sits at a relatively cozy size for such a heavy hitter. The fact that all newbies join the New York office as a select class of around 25 or so makes the tight-knit atmosphere tangible from the get go.

The training program was another genuine draw for interviewees - “other firms don’t have the facetime training with partners like we do” - along with the absence of a set billable hours requirement. Not that juniors are short of motivation to work, of course, as the firm’s reputation for above-market bonuses was also a distinct appeal.

Cahill is recognized as an Excellent Performer for Junior Satisfaction and an Excellent Performer for Mid to Senior Satisfaction in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Strategy & Future

When we catch up with Cahill’s chairperson, Herb Washer, he is keen to stress that Cahill certainly isn’t resting on its laurels. “For the past couple of years we have been growing strategically into new practice areas (crypto/fintech, private credit, restructuring, IP, etc.), as well as geographically (re-invigorating our Washington, D.C. office, opening a new Delaware location),” he tells us. Associates have certainly noted this push toward new frontiers impacting their own practices, with one reporting that “from a strategy standpoint, there is a lot of emphasis on everything that crypto touches.” Washer also explains that project finance has been a particularly important area of recent focus for the firm, while adding that “I expect that the volume of infrastructure finance will grow, and so we hope to grow with it.”

As for wider industry developments, Washer notes a rising incidence of “fixed fee or contingent fee arrangements that focus on value, rather strictly on the billable hour, as has traditionally been the case.” With this in mind, Cahill’s policy of avoiding inflexible billable hour targets for its associates looks like being ahead of the curve. “I believe that clients will place a higher premium on the individualized counseling aspect of the practice of law,” Washer continues, noting that “What will be an advantage will be serving as sophisticated, experienced lawyers who can apply judgment to the issues that clients bring to us.”

An emphasis on upskilling young talent as quickly as possible is thus critical. While Washer is proud of Cahill’s record of promoting associates’ career development, he reports that the firm is “working to expedite that progress by investing even more in technology and training, providing early opportunities to do substantive work, and promoting formal and informal mentorship.”

Read more from Herb Washer under the 'Get Hired' tab.

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

Summer Program

“It was the best ten weeks I’ve had in a summer,” was one associate’s summary of their first introduction to Cahill, so how does the firm get its program so right? Former participants particularly highlighted the quality of the instruction they received, with one describing the team as “uniquely good at training” and noting that anyone who is eager to get stuck in “will learn a lot.”

The varied and substantive nature of the work also stood out; during the summer program, associates are able to sample work in both Cahill’s litigation and corporate practice groups, and may also get a chance to experience pro bono projects. Finally, the fact that work wasn’t overemphasized, and was balanced by a healthy mix of social events and networking opportunities, had a strong appeal too. Events that dot the calendar include baseball games, Broadway shows, cooking classes and lunches, ensuring that – in the words of one of our interviewees – “You get to really bond with the class, so it doesn’t feel like starting a brand-new scary job.”

The Work

Juniors join either the corporate or litigation practice at Cahill. For those in corporate, there is a first-year staffing system which assigns newbies work to help them find their feet. Thereafter, they join the free-market system with the rest of the firm’s associates. Those who’ve been through this two-stage process appreciated how it allowed them to pick up work and balance their time initially, with one reporting how they’d then “enjoyed aseamless transition” to the free market via “legacy deals and reaching out to those already-made connections.”

Cahill is recognized as an Excellent Performer for Work Allocation & Autonomy in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

“It’s always pretty cool to be leading the charge, in terms of the world of finance.”

As for what the corporate department does, it focuses on leveraged finance, bond and credit agreements, and private credit, acting on behalf of institutional banking and finance clients. “It’s been a broad array so far,” one rookie told us, explaining how the varied nature of junior associates’ work means that “our biggest job is being available and willing to learn whatever they ask us to do.” As for the traits that are needed to thrive in this practice area, another source spelled it out: “You need to be detail-oriented, as there are a lot of moving parts on these deals, and in the same vein, there is a checklist for every deal with milestones to be reached, so you need to be organized about knowing where everything is.”

Juniors liaise with company counsel and external parties (“there’s a lot of email traffic to handle”), as well as negotiating and putting pen to paper drafting ancillary documents once they reach a higher level. The chance to step up to the plate on significant transactions can be majorly rewarding. “Some of the highlights for me include deals that end up as precedent documents,” one insider recounted, adding that “it’s always pretty cool to be leading the charge, in terms of the world of finance.”

Corporate clients: Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo Securities, Citigroup Global Markets. Represented the initial purchasers for Avolon Holdings Funding, a leading global aircraft leasing company, generating $2.35 billion in proceeds.

Over in the litigation department, the work encompasses a variety of civil and commercial litigation, white-collar, securities and antitrust matters, and also First Amendment cases. The clients on the firm’s books naturally tend to reflect the firm’s finance focus, and include banks and financial institutions, as well as those in FinTech and even the growing cryptocurrency space. Responsibilities for junior litigators range from doc review to legal research and producing memos, preparing deposition outlines and even attending depositions, as well as drafting motions.

The firm’s lean size typically helps associates to take on responsibilities early. “On smaller teams, it’s a bigger role with more responsibilities, which is great with established clients like banks,” one junior enthused. In particular, “The crypto teams are smaller with substantive work, and we’re really cultivating new relationships there.”

Litigation clients: Tesla, Clearview AI, S&P Global. Representing Benjamin Chow, the co-founder of the decentralized cryptocurrency trading platform Meteora, in two high profile class action lawsuits relating to tokens.

Career Development

Cahill’s investment in professional development received the stamp of approval from its associates. “The Cahill Academy has been instrumental in making that transition into being an associate easier,” one tells us, “as there’s a lot of terminology and phrasing that isn’t intuitive.” The format, in which partners talk trainees through specific deals in a classroom environment and sometimes set homework, is a strong selling point for new associates, with one describing it as appealingly “familiar” and “almost like going to law school.”

Some found the firm’s emphasis on formal teaching slightly less helpful later on in their associate careers, when sessions don’t always fit in smoothly alongside a growing number of additional responsibilities. However, others have continued to find it useful in their day-to-day practices, with one appreciating how “we have material from those sessions to refer back to and reinforce us when we actually contend with an issue.”

“The Cahill Academy has been instrumental in making that transition into being an associate easier.”

From the get-go, rookies are also assigned an associate and partner mentor, the former for the day-to-day questions and the latter for both professional development and performance reviews. “The relationship is what you make of it,” an insider advised us, noting that “it’s crazy to me that I can email a partner with a professional question and then end up talking for an hour – it still blows me away.” This is also supplemented by abundant opportunities for striking up informal mentorship relationships with senior colleagues, which several associates felt was even more valuable.

As for the path to partnership, our sources agreed that it was definitely an attainable one, with multiple interviewees noting the firm’s strong emphasis on “homegrown” talent and promoting Cahill associates through the ranks. Nonetheless, if partnership is not on the cards, sources also felt confident about pursuing in-house avenues, particularly through relationships established by secondments; these are “a great opportunity to pivot,” one told us. And if anyone is unsure of which route they want to take, the firm has recently hired a director of attorney advancement, who can advise associates on everything from substantive on-the-job opportunities to their overall career path.

Cahill is recognized as an Excellent Performer for Career Development in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Culture

Sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint what makes a firm’s culture, but juniors at Cahill weren’t lost for words. “It’s a smaller BigLaw firm with a close-knit community,” an insider told us, while another specifically emphasized how the limited numbers of new joiners enabled them to have a “very close relationship with those in my class.” That feeds into a generally supportive working atmosphere. “Everyone is kind, with no egos,” we were told, and our sources also made clear that while colleagues are “looking to do great work and have great experiences,” they also “understand that law is not the entire purpose of someone’s life.”

“It’s a smaller BigLaw firm with a close-knit community.”

We heard that the firm makes a real effort when it comes to the social calendar, which ranges from ‘Cahill connects’ on Tuesdays with bagels to monthly happy hours, alongside recruiting events and a host of summer and other seasonal socials. Some of the highlights include the annual holiday skit which first years and the newer partners produce together, and the gala which takes place in some years at the Museum of Natural History (and which one source called “one of my favorite events”). There are also running, soccer and softball teams to get involved with as well. “You can be as social as you like with no pressure,” a source reassured us, adding that “I enjoy being social at the firm, as we spend a lot of hours together.”

Cahill is recognized as an Excellent Performer for Culture in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Hours & Compensation

Billable hours: no requirement

There is no billable hours requirement at Cahill, and nor is there a cap on the pro bono hours for which associates can get credit. That’s not to suggest that the firm is short of client-facing matters to keep associates occupied. “There is plenty of work to go around, and you’re highly encouraged to make sure you’re staying busy,” a junior explained. “You get an understanding of how much you should be taking on,” they continued, noting that “there is never pressure after coming off a busy few weeks to not recharge in order to not fall behind on some imaginary hours requirement.”

As for a typical weekly schedule, associates explained that aiming for at least 40 billable hours is standard. “On average, it’s a standard 9-5pm in the office, then I go home and work a few more hours,” a source from the corporate team shared with us. As per the nature of BigLaw, there are of course both slower and busier periods; “sometimes I might have a 20-hour week, or I’ve billed 80 in the busiest weeks,” another interviewee added.

In return for their efforts, associates are compensated at market rate, and those in good standing receive both end-of-year and special bonuses. “It’s very clear what it is to be in good standing: doing the work well, meeting the in-office requirement, and also being a good firm citizen,” one interviewee explained, before reassuring us that “it’s easy to achieve.”

On the point about mandatory time in-office, this means coming in for an average of three days a week over the year, and associates generally appreciated the flexibility this gives them. Moreover, the bonus structure was highly rated for including a newish ‘super bonus’ which can be unlocked by associates that have been at the firm for four or more years.

Cahill is recognized as The Elite for Benefits & Quality of Life in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Pro Bono

Given that associates have no limit on how much pro bono they can do and that this work is weighted equally to billable hours, “it’s very easy to get involved,” sources noted. A dedicated pro bono counsel ensures that there are various opportunities available, ranging from criminal proceedings to work with organizations like Sanctuary for Families, as well as immigration and veterans matters. Meanwhile, shorter-term commitments include ‘know your rights’ clinics and school volunteering.

While some felt the projects skew naturally towards litigation matters, the arrival of new tax partners has unlocked pro bono work that “leans more corporate,” such as helping small businesses navigate bureaucracy. For many, these ever-evolving opportunities provide some memorable experiences. “It’s very rewarding,” one insider shared with us, explaining that they “get to communicate directly with the client by myself and advise on courses of action (with the supervision of a partner to run ideas by).”

Pro bono hours

• For all US attorneys: undisclosed
• Average per US attorney: undisclosed

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

Inclusion

Juniors felt that the firm places “a lot of emphasis” on inclusion. “There are affinity groups for anything you can think of and if you feel that something is missing, the firm is more than willing to add it,” a source stated. Indeed, a First-Generation affinity group has recently been created, joining an extensive roster that includes ASMENA (Asian, Middle Eastern, North African, Native American and Pacific Islander), Black Lawyers, Hispanic/Latinx, LGBTQ, Working Parents and the Women’s Initiative Committee.

Each put on their own informal lunches, socials and informative events, that are open to all. “The women’s group hosted an important judge, who is a friend of the firm, who opened the reception to everyone,” a junior enthused, adding that “I met so many new women associates and partners there.” The women’s group was particularly popular amongst associates for its mentoring circles too.

Get Hired 

The first stage: recruitment on and off campus   

OCI applicants interviewed: undisclosed    

Interviewees outside OCI: undisclosed    

Cahill participates in a wide variety of recruiting events and carefully considers candidates from law school organized programs as well as applicants who apply directly. “At Cahill, we are thoughtful in our selection process,” says co-chair of the hiring committee Meghan McDermott. “We celebrate the individuality of each candidate and we focus on the whole person in our recruiting process. While grades are of course important, we also focus on a candidate’s unique qualities and prior experiences because we’re looking for long-term contributors that will be successful first-year associates, not just summer associates.” 

The firm recruits at a few different stages. “Cahill is committed to attracting top talent at earlier stages of a candidate’s law school career,” explains co-chair of the hiring committee Jason Hall, “which is why we’ve launched our exciting new 1L summer associate program, in addition to our traditional 2L program. By introducing promising first-year law students to our firm early in their legal careers, we’re creating new pathways for exceptional talent and enriching our firm’s culture and perspectives.” 

Top tips for this stage:    

“Prior to your interview, research the law firm and the attorneys you are meeting, and reflect on what specifically interests you about the firm. During the interview, be sure to highlight your own prior experience and provide real-life examples that demonstrate your passion for the firm’s practices and how you would excel at the law firm.” – McDermott 

Callbacks    

Applicants invited to second stage interview: undisclosed    

Candidates meet with two partners and two associates at the callback stage, with each interview lasting approximately 30 minutes. The panel could include junior associates, with Jason Hall telling us that “at Cahill, we believe that our associates are just as invested in the recruiting process as our leadership team. That’s why you’ll find our enthusiastic associates actively engaging with candidates over coffee, lunches, and casual conversations.” As he explains, “This collaborative spirit not only allows us to identify top talent, but also helps you get a genuine feel for our vibrant culture." 

Top tips for this stage:    

“When choosing a law firm, it’s essential to look beyond the numbers and statistics of various law firms and really focus on a firm’s “X-factors”, which are those factors that set a firm apart from their peer firms. You should seek a place that resonates with your interests and qualities, and where you feel you belong. At Cahill, we believe our X-factors are our smaller firm size and collaborative culture. While we have all of the prestige, benefits, and compensation of a larger big law firm, our smaller size allows our firm to have a collegial feel, with easy accessibility to partners, plentiful mentorship opportunities, and a focus on individual development.” – McDermott 

2026 Summer program    

Offers: undisclosed  

Acceptances: 41 

Summer associates can sample work across Cahill’s practice groups. “Our summer program at Cahill is more than just a glimpse into the legal world; it’s a dynamic experience where you’ll gain hands-on exposure across a variety of practices,” shares Hall, “From day one, you’ll be paired with dedicated members who are involved in your work assignments and eager to guide you. Our commitment to fostering meaningful relationships and providing real-world experience sets us apart from firms with rigid rotation systems. Here, you’ll be empowered to explore the work that interests you most.” 

Top tips for this stage:    

“The innovative free market assignment system at Cahill is designed to empower our associates to take charge of their own careers. Here, you’ll find opportunity to embrace initiative and self-direction, allowing you to gain meaningful responsibilities, as soon as you’re ready. We’re committed to fostering an environment where ambition is rewarded, and the sky is the limit for your professional growth.”  – McDermott 

And finally….    

“Cahill is a place where people genuinely enjoy working together. During the recruiting process, it helps to show curiosity about the work we do and enthusiasm for being part of the team.” – a second year associate  

Interview with Herb Washer, Chairperson

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? 

Herb Washer: We have a very unique position in the legal marketplace.  Our firm has curated teams of lawyers who operate at the very top of the market in the areas in which we focus.  For the past couple of years we have been growing strategically into new practice areas (crypto/fintech, private credit, restructuring, IP, etc.), as well as geographically (re-invigorating our Washington, D.C. office, opening a new Delaware location).  Our goal is to be the best version of ourselves—not to race to scale, or be everything to every client.   

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

Washer: On top of the aforementioned targeted expansion, our firm is keenly focused on rapid changes occurring in the legal market.  We are committed to embracing the new technology and ideas that will ensure Cahill continues to be one of the most successful and rewarding law firms in the world.  In particular, we view AI as a tool for associates, not a replacement.  We are helping young associates speed up the learning curve by developing numerous targeted training programs and providing a lot of mentoring and one-on-one time with partners.    

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? 

Washer: At Cahill, the business of law remains fairly stable.  We are large enough to provide the best resources for our lawyers and offer sophisticated expertise on the most complex of client matters.  Yet at the same time, we are small enough that we preserve our culture where folks work with open doors, lawyers know each other personally, and our firm management remains flexible.    

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

Washer: First, we are placing even more emphasis on the training of our young lawyers.  As technology advances, we need to devise ways to develop junior associates into mid-levels and senior lawyers relatively quickly so that they can be useful to our clients.    

Also keep an eye out for additional expansion.  We see important areas of growth on the transactional side.  We have been focused for several years now on project finance, because we are a finance-focused firm representing lenders for projects and M&A activity. Relatedly, I expect that the volume of infrastructure finance will grow, and so we hope to grow with it.  Building out our nascent IP practice is also a priority.   

Inside the Firm 

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

Washer: Our junior associates come into the firm very eager to learn how to become a great lawyer. Historically, that has been a slow process.  It takes years to build knowledge and experience.  We are working to expedite that progress by investing even more in technology and training, providing early opportunities to do substantive work, and promoting formal and informal mentorship.    

The Legal Profession 

CA: How do you predict the legal profession will change in the next five years? Are there any particular challenges the industry is facing? 

Washer:  I expect that alternative fee arrangements will continue to rise in popularity. Anecdotally I have seen a rising number of fixed fee or contingent fee arrangements that focus on value, rather strictly on the billable hour, as has traditionally been the case. I believe that clients will place a higher premium on the individualized counseling aspect of the practice of law.  What will be an advantage will be serving as sophisticated, experienced lawyers who can apply judgment to the issues that clients bring to us.   

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? 

Washer: My go-to meal was a double cheeseburger with fries and soda. I try to be a little healthier now.   

CA: What was the first concert you attended? 

Washer: This definitely ages me, but Madonna. I have to say it was a terrific concert.  

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? 

Washer: Building relationships.  Everyone must become a technically excellent lawyer in whatever area of the law they choose, but building relationships is the most important aspect of generating business and having a satisfying legal career.