Wiley - The Inside View

Want an exceptional career at the heart of regulatory law with the promise of big clients and cutting-edge work? Where else to look than Wiley, a sole-office superstar that’s well integrated into the DC landscape. With close to 250 attorneys keeping a pulse on the Hill, it has a formidable presence with its regulatory, litigious, and transactional offerings. To prove it, Chambers USA bestows high praise upon the firm for its nationwide prowess in political law, international export controls and economic sanctions, and bid protests, placing it as cream of the crop for its elite government contracts work too. At home, Wiley continues to receive high praise for its insurance, regulatory media and entertainment, telecom, broadcast and satellite, and general commercial litigation expertise.  

“Wiley was a name that kept on coming up for providing lots of opportunities and having a great stable of lawyers.” 

For associates, such a reputation meant that “Wiley was a name that kept on coming up for providing lots of opportunities and having a great stable of lawyers.” In fact, one divulged: “I knew I would be working with a mixture of folks with government experience, but also those who have been there a long time,” a huge driver for wanting “to learn and work in that environment.” This is perfectly fitting when considering most of Wiley’s work involves agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Department of Justice (DoJ). More than that, the mentorship and professional development stood out to our sources as well: “With substantive experience, you grow so much in a year. The community is welcoming and engaging, and people are invested in mentorship.” Throughout the OCI process and summer, juniors emphasized how important culture was in the decision-making. As one put it, “Would I want to spend time with these people at the airport? Yes! It passed the airplane vibe check.” 

More on culture and career development later, though. Due to the one-office nature of the firm, all the associates on our list were based across practices in Washington DC. 

Strategy & Future 

Juniors noticed that there had been a “strong emphasis on firm growth” in recent years, and this claim can be supported by Wiley’s 2025 partnership class, with eight partner and four counsel promotions across insurance, litigation, government contracts, telecom, media and technology (TMT), and international trade. Specific practices our insiders identified as earmarked for growth were litigation, white-collar and TMT, while other sources mentioned insurance and government contracts. Looking up the Hill, another point to keep an eye out for, according to interviewees, will be “staying attuned to new regulatory developments and continuing to support our clients navigate them – particularly with new cyber products, as it’s a big specialty for Wiley.” 

The Work 

As summers, aspiring associates can explore their interests across the firm’s practices before going on to rank their top three preferences at the very end. Most associates on our list were in the telecom, media and technology group, followed by government contracts, white-collar, and then insurance. The rest were spread across litigation and environment and product regulation.  

While work allocation differs slightly across practices, sources explained how the groups have their own workflow oversight partner monitoring assignments. “We coordinate every two weeks to discuss how busy our docket is and if we’re open to new work or opportunities,” an associate detailed, and this accompanies their status updates in weekly meetings. Another noted: “It’s great because it acts as a capacity barrier ensuring a stable workflow.” Even with those structures in place, interviewees agreed that as relationships are built and specialisms develop over time, work is assigned from partners directly; it’s more flexible, so “I can go after the things I’m interested in.”  

Starting off with TMT, the practice focuses on the FFC and FTC-related regulatory aspects across three main buckets: privacy, cyber and data governance; media; and space and satellites. So, there’s a wide range of matters involving radio and TV broadcasters, government contractors, communications companies, and satellite and wireless tower leases! “I do lots of different things” was a common refrain among interviewees; we heard various combinations of working on rule-making policy advisory, enforcement actions, disputes, licenses, corporate contracts, and assisting with due diligence for M&A transactions. “There’s a mixture of transactional regulatory and litigation regulatory attorneys,” an interviewee explained. With lots of changing regulations, juniors tackle the initial research, take the first pen drafting and filing comments on behalf of clients to agencies during comment and response periods, as well as providing compliance advice. Citing the lean staffing model, sources were pleased to report that “there’s lots of responsibility early on!” 

TMT clients: Virgin Galactic, Verizon Communications, Volkswagen. Represented Motorola Solutions in a court case that sought to challenge the FCC’s authority to restrict use of Chinese and other equipment posing national security threats.  

“We pride ourselves for being a one-stop shop for any contract disputes with the government.” 

In the government contracts practice, “we pride ourselves for being a one-stop shop for any contract disputes with the government,” an interviewee beamed, meaning that “as a junior, you’re able to work on lots of different things!” From bid protests, claims, and appeals to the compliance process with internal and government investigations into contractors – “when things go wrong, we handle it.” Associates highlighted that bid protests, representing clients protesting the contract award, as a core part of the work. With short and fast 100-day turnarounds with the government accountability office, managing deadlines is central to associates’ work here. However, lean staffing means that juniors can roll up their sleeves to draft briefs: “It’s real substantive legal work, handling the arguments and building the themes and stories within.” Day to day, associates also have doc review to look forward to, as well as searching through case law and legislation to answer questions. Dealing with a diverse range of industries – including defense, aerospace, intelligence, and energy – an insider enthused: “Our clients are always doing super interesting things.” 

Government contracts clients: BAE Systems, Guidehouse, Amentum Services. Provided government contracts diligence support to Boeing in its ongoing $8.3 billion acquisition of Spirit.  

Over in the white-collar group, we heard of juniors tackling fraud cases, arbitrations, as well as internal and government investigations Oftentimes, the work involves the FTC or DoJ, representing those who may be interviewed by the government or subject to an investigation. Discussing a False Claims Act case, a source outlined: “We deal with the facts and creating timelines, coming up with the questions to be asked during the investigative interview.” Here, newbies get stuck into doc review, research, and drafting. As they progress, they can start to take on opportunities to prep clients for interviews and trial, and act as second chair in depositions. Stepping up to the plate, “there are plenty of opportunities for substantive involvement as a junior.”  

White-collar clients: Noridian Healthcare Solutions, CGI Federal, AECOM Technology Corporation. Represents SOC, a security-services provider, in a qui tam action under the False Claims Act in the US District Court for the District of Maryland. 

Career Development 

Interviewees agreed that the firm is invested in their professional development: “It’s a real strength for Wiley!” We heard that this happens in a few different ways; from the get-go, juniors attend a variety of foundational programs, including Keys to Success, Making Your Time Count and Successful Strategies for Hybrid Teams. For juniors, this is essentially “How to Be a Successful Attorney 101!” and covers topics from wellness, overcoming mistakes and asking for feedback, to legal writing and tailored introductions to their practice group. Newbies are assigned a junior associate and senior adviser, who are “essentially people who you can go to for any questions,” but there’s also organic mentorship on offer. “There are so many associates and partners I look up to, and I’ve grown from their teaching and feedback on assignments,” an insider reflected, “They’re willing to help; they’re incredibly supportive.” Juniors echoed this sentiment, stating that mentors encourage them to take on opportunities to develop their brand like joining Bar Associations, attending conferences, and writing client alerts.  

“It’s a place that tries to make sure you end up where you want to go.”

With plenty of homegrown partners, juniors agreed that partnership is attainable. For example, many highlighted the dedicated professional development partner program for third- to eighth-year associates which provides an insight into business development and relationship building. As for transparency when it comes to career progression, some noted that the annual evaluation process and competency bands provide further insight into “what needs to happen and what they are looking for.” Understanding there are different routes to take, we heard that “there’s lots of great alumni. It’s a place that tries to make sure you end up where you want to go; whether it’s in-house or government, there are great opportunities to do so.” 

Culture 

“Coming out of law school, the culture is the best part; everyone is smart and focused, but they aren’t competing with each other,” a junior pointed out when asked about Wiley’s culture, and this really makes the difference. In fact, interviewees gushed that “people really look out for each other – it’s great!” The one-office model further fosters a cohesive culture, as “it’s a small office so you get to know everyone.” Moreover, associates valued how hardworking their colleagues are, but also how “there’s a real respect for life outside of the firm.” 

Outside of the monthly lunches, happy hours, and other networking events among them, “the firm does a good job of making sure people have opportunities to connect that aren’t work related,” a source noted. The social calendar has previously included popcorn and apple cider to ring in the fall season, an ugly Christmas sweater competition in the buildup to the annual holiday party, and a Valentines Day sweet treat celebration. Attorneys also cheer on their favorite teams during March Madness in aid of a legal resource center, as well as a firm-wide summer picnic.  

Hours & Compensation 

Billable hours: 1,950 requirement 

The consensus was that the target is achievable, although those with regulatory work commented that “it can be a little harder as the matters are often smaller” compared to a full-blown litigation, for example, but nonetheless doable. A happy source smiled: “I achieved it last year!” Sources outlined working between eight to ten hours a day with some flexibility “over time as you get a feel for your schedule, figuring out what works for you to have that better work-life balance.” It was mentioned that different groups have their own anchor days and expectations, but as a rule of thumb, attorneys are expected to go into the office two to three times a week.  

Understanding that for newbies there’s often a ramp-up period, Wiley is more lenient when it comes to the billable target, juniors explained. Although business development hours don’t count towards the target, “the firm does appreciate and encourage business development, attending client events, or association events like the Federal Communication Bar Association” (and it’s considered during evaluations). As for bonus allocation, insiders agreed that “it’s clear what we need to do,” but it’s a tad opaque as bonuses are given out on a “case-by-case basis.” This can include contributions to pro bono and business development, as well as performance and hours.It was noted that while the bonuses are below market, Wiley matched the latest market-rate salary hike in 2023! 

Pro Bono 

“Pro bono is a great part of our firm,” a junior enthused. Associates have up to 50 pro bono hours to hand with any additional hours needing approval; some confirmed they’ve been able to credit 100+ hours towards their billable target. Such efforts are celebrated too by way of email updates and “the annual award ceremony where you can nominate and commend someone, engaging people across the firm.” 

Weekly emails are sent out by the pro bono coordinator, and attorneys can bring their own matters to the table too. We heard of juniors getting involved in housing, personal injury, and criminal law matters through the local DC Bar Pro Bono Center in partnership with Catholic Charities, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Reserve Officers Organization, and the CAIR Coalition. Talking about a pro bono matter, an interviewee shared: “Knowing the client and their story… it was so rewarding being able to see someone reunite their family in the US.” Not only that, but it’s also a great opportunity for juniors to develop their stills by taking the lead “writing briefs and presenting oral arguments” which is “viewed positively by partners.” 

Pro bono hours 

• For all US attorneys: 8,984
• Average per US attorney: 54

Get Hired 

The first stage: recruitment on and off campus  

OCI applicants interviewed: 86  

Interviewees outside OCI: 12  

Wiley’s recruiting focus reflects its commitment to DC, as it recruits from top law schools in Washington, DC and along the East Coast. However, Lukman Azeez and Laura El-Sabaawi, co-chairs of the recruiting committee, tells us “we also attract write-in candidates from law schools across the country.” The firm meets with 10-40 students for each school’s OCI program. Interviews are conducted in pairs by partners and mid to senior-level associates.  

The firm seeks “exceptional candidates who have a demonstrated interest in joining a DC-based practice and one or more of Wiley’s core practice areas,” says El-Sabaawi. Interviewers ask questions about the interviewee’s “analytic ability, drive, focus and interpersonal skills.” They look too for an interest in the firm’s involvement in DC and are seeking “promising new attorneys from diverse backgrounds and who share Wiley’s commitments to long-term professional development within our demonstrated areas of expertise.”  

They also ask questions to figure out if candidates will be a good cultural fit – “so we may ask behavioral interviewing questions to find out how students have responded to different situations in school or in other work they have done,” El-Sabaawi clarifies. 

Top tips for this stage:  

“Candidates who do well in our interview process project confidence, maturity, authenticity and strong interpersonal skills. At the interview, be able to demonstrate that you are hard-working, intelligent, courteous and pleasant, and that you have the soft skills to pass the airport test.” –Lukman Azeez, Co-Chair Recruiting Committee  

Callbacks  

Applicants invited to second-stage interview: 49  

The firm creates individualized schedules for each candidate, “based on the candidate’s potential practice area interests, professional/work history, law school and other interests,” says Azeez. Each candidate typically meets with four to six attorneys for 20 each, including a mix of partners and associates who are members of the firm’s recruiting committee.  

Top tips for this stage:  

“Here you’ll fit in well if you demonstrate a good attitude and are open to helping others alongside being generally hard-working.” – A junior associate.  

Summer program  

2L Offers: 22  

2L Acceptances: 10 

Wiley describes its summer program as having six facets: integration; guidance and sponsorship; substantive work; hands-on learning; evaluation, feedback and growth; and special opportunities. Integration involves social activities that allow candidate and firm to “get to know each other better.” Guidance and sponsorship involves mentoring and meeting clients. Substantive work involves summers self-selecting work from the assignment database. Hands-on learning includes training sessions and taking part in the firm’s litigation skills workshop, which “includes opportunities to take and defend mock depositions and build a litigation case strategy,” Azeez  explains. Evaluation, feedback and growth includes mid-summer and end-of-summer reviews to receive and give feedback. Special opportunities include opportunities such as attending client meetings, depositions, affinity group lunches and seminars.  

For the past five years, 95% of summer associates have returned as first-year associates. “At the end of the summer, we invite our summer associates to rank their top three practice group interests,” El-Sabaawi  tells us. “We use these rankings and consult with practice group leaders to determine placement for our junior associates, and make our best effort to place new attorneys within their top-ranked practice area.”  

Top tips for this stage:  

“Ask a lot of thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in learning and understanding the practice of law. Take advantage of special opportunities such as attending depositions, listening in on conference calls, and attending social events organized by the firm. It’s important to talk to as many people as possible about their experience at the firm.” – Laura El-Sabaawi, Co-Chair Recruiting Committee 

And finally…  

Azeez believes that “Wiley is a great place to build a career. This is a 30+ years-young, innovative firm that is invested in building for the future by consistently identifying and growing top talent to lead the next generation of outstanding Wiley attorneys.”