Law firms are known for their prestige, high salaries, and long hours. However, not all law firms are created equal when it comes to the quality of life for their employees. The best law firms to work for prioritize their employees’ happiness, well-being, and career development.
Vault’s annual Best Law Firms to Work For survey is a great resource for anyone looking to work in the legal industry. This survey is conducted by Vault, a career intelligence company, and is based on feedback from associates who work at law firms across the country. Associates assess their own firms on a range of workplace issues related to career development, job satisfaction, and quality of life. The results are then used to rank the top law firms to work for in the United States.
In this article, we will dive into the top law firms to work for in America according to Vault’s 2022 and 2023 rankings. We will explore the factors that make these firms stand out, including their work-life balance, culture, training and development programs, and overall job satisfaction. Whether you’re a law student looking to start your career or an experienced lawyer considering a job change, this article will provide valuable insights into the best law firms to work for in America.
Overview of Best Law Firms to Work For
Choosing the right law firm to work for can be a daunting task, especially when you consider the many factors that come into play. However, if you’re looking for a great place to work, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many top law firms in the US that have been recognized for their excellent work environment, employee benefits, and overall quality of life.
Vault, a leading provider of career information and rankings, releases an annual list of the best law firms to work for in the US. The rankings are based on surveys of thousands of associates who rate their firms on various factors, including satisfaction with their work, compensation, training opportunities, and diversity and inclusion.
According to Vault’s 2022 rankings, McDermott Will & Emery is the best law firm to work for in the US. The firm has a score of 9.581 out of 10 and is known for its strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Other top law firms on the list include BakerHostetler, Dechert, Morgan Lewis, and Proskauer.
When considering the best law firms to work for, it’s important to look beyond just the rankings. While rankings can give you a good idea of which firms are highly regarded, they don’t tell the whole story. You should also consider factors such as the firm’s practice areas, size, location, and culture.
Overall, the best law firms to work for are those that offer a supportive and collaborative work environment, competitive compensation and benefits packages, and opportunities for growth and development. If you’re considering a career in law, be sure to do your research and choose a firm that aligns with your goals and values.
Factors That Make a Law Firm a Great Place to Work
When looking for a law firm to work for, there are several factors to consider. The best law firms to work for have a strong culture and quality of life, offer competitive compensation and benefits, provide comprehensive training and career development opportunities, prioritize diversity and inclusion, and promote a healthy work-life balance.
Culture and Quality of Life
A positive firm culture is essential for job satisfaction and associate retention. The best law firms foster a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages teamwork and open communication. They also prioritize quality of life by providing flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and other benefits that promote work-life balance.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits are important factors to consider when choosing a law firm. The best law firms offer competitive salaries, bonuses, and benefits packages that reflect the value of their associates’ work. They also provide opportunities for advancement and sponsorship for professional development.
Training and Career Development
Formal and informal training programs are crucial for associates to develop their skills and advance their careers. The best law firms provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, including mentorship programs, continuing education, and pro bono work.
Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are critical for creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. The best law firms prioritize diversity and inclusion by actively recruiting and retaining diverse talent, providing unconscious bias training, and promoting inclusive policies and practices.
Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is essential for maintaining job satisfaction and preventing burnout. The best law firms offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options, and prioritize wellness programs that promote mental and physical health.
In conclusion, the best law firms to work for prioritize culture and quality of life, compensation and benefits, training and career development, diversity and inclusion, and work-life balance. By considering these factors, associates can find a law firm that aligns with their values and provides a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Vault’s 2023 Rankings of the Best Law Firms to Work For
Vault has released its 2023 rankings of the best law firms to work for. The rankings are based on a survey of thousands of associates from law firms across the United States. The survey covers a wide range of factors, including compensation, work/life balance, training opportunities, and culture.
Overall Ranking
McDermott, Will & Emery has taken the top spot for the second year in a row, followed by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP and O’Melveny & Myers LLP. Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP and Clifford Chance US LLP round out the top five. The rankings are based on feedback from associates at each firm, with a focus on factors such as quality of life, compensation, and career development opportunities.
Regional Rankings
Vault’s rankings also cover regional law firms. The top-ranked firms in the Chicago region include Ropes & Gray, Paul Hastings, and Dechert. In the New York region, Williams & Connolly takes the top spot, followed by Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. The top-ranked firm in Texas is Morgan Lewis.
Practice Area Rankings
Vault’s rankings also include practice area rankings, covering areas such as litigation, intellectual property, and corporate law. In the litigation category, Williams & Connolly takes the top spot, followed by Boies Schiller Flexner LLP and Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP. For intellectual property law, Fish & Richardson PC takes the top spot, followed by Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP and Knobbe Martens. In the corporate law category, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz takes the top spot, followed by Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.
Overall, the 2023 rankings provide a comprehensive overview of the best law firms to work for in the United States. The rankings cover a wide range of factors, from compensation and work/life balance to career development opportunities and culture. Whether you are looking for a regional law firm or a top-ranked practice area, Vault’s rankings provide a valuable resource for anyone looking to start or advance their legal career.
Vault’s Annual Associate Survey
Vault’s Annual Associate Survey is a comprehensive survey that evaluates law firms based on their workplace issues, job satisfaction, and other factors that are important to associates. The survey is conducted from January to March each year and the results are published in the following year.
Methodology
Vault’s Annual Associate Survey is conducted using a peer-to-peer review process. Associates are asked to rate their own law firms and peer firms on a scale of 1 to 10 based on various workplace issues, including job satisfaction, compensation, diversity, and firm culture. The survey also includes open-ended questions that allow associates to provide feedback on their firms.
The rankings are based on a weighted average of the scores assigned to each firm by its own associates and by associates at peer firms. The rankings are then adjusted to reflect the prestige of the law firms.
Top-Ranked Law Firms
According to Vault’s 2023 Rankings, the most prestigious midsize law firms by region across the US are:
| Rank | Law Firm |
|---|---|
| 1 | McDermott Will & Emery |
| 2 | BakerHostetler |
| 3 | Proskauer Rose |
| 4 | Clifford Chance US LLP |
| 5 | Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP |
| 6 | Dechert LLP |
| 7 | Paul Hastings LLP |
McDermott Will & Emery was ranked the best law firm to work for in 2023, with a score of 9.581 out of 10. The firm has consistently been ranked in the top 10 for several years. BakerHostetler and Proskauer Rose were ranked second and third, respectively.
The rankings also include diversity rankings, with Proskauer Rose, Paul Hastings LLP, and Dechert LLP being ranked in the top 10 for diversity.
Overall, Vault’s Annual Associate Survey provides valuable insights into the best law firms to work for, based on the opinions of associates themselves. The survey is a useful tool for law students and attorneys who are looking for prestigious law firms with high levels of job satisfaction and happiness.
Best Law Firms for Diversity
Diversity has become a significant factor in evaluating law firms, and many firms have made efforts to improve their diversity and inclusion policies. Here are some of the best law firms for diversity based on various factors.
Overall Diversity
According to the Vault 2022 Best Law Firms for Diversity ranking, the following firms are the top 5 for overall diversity:
- McDermott Will & Emery
- Baker McKenzie
- Latham & Watkins
- Orrick
- Norton Rose Fulbright
These firms have implemented various initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, including mentorship programs, diversity committees, and unconscious bias training.
Diversity in Junior Lawyers
In addition to overall diversity, it’s essential to consider diversity in junior lawyers. The following firms were recognized as the top 5 best law firms for diversity in junior lawyers by Above the Law:
- Baker McKenzie
- Orrick
- Latham & Watkins
- Norton Rose Fulbright
- McDermott Will & Emery
These firms have implemented various initiatives to recruit and retain diverse junior lawyers, including diversity scholarships, affinity groups, and diversity-focused recruitment events.
Diversity in In-House Lawyers
Diversity in in-house lawyers is also an essential factor to consider. The following firms were recognized as the top 5 best law firms for diversity in in-house lawyers by Staci Zaretsky on Above the Law:
- Orrick
- Baker McKenzie
- Latham & Watkins
- Norton Rose Fulbright
- McDermott Will & Emery
These firms have implemented various initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion among their in-house lawyers, including diversity training, diversity-focused networking events, and diversity committees.
Overall, the best law firms for diversity are those that have implemented various initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion at all levels of the firm. These firms have demonstrated a commitment to creating a more diverse and inclusive legal industry, which is essential for promoting equity and justice.
Best Summer Associate Programs
Summer associate programs are an important part of the legal industry. They provide law students with the opportunity to experience what it’s like to work at a law firm and gain valuable skills and knowledge. Here are some of the best summer associate programs in the legal industry.
Overall Satisfaction
Vault Law 100 is a great resource for law firms’ reputations and summer associate programs. According to their rankings, some of the top law firms with the best summer associate programs include Clifford Chance, O’Melveny, and Orrick. These firms provide their summer associates with a realistic sense of what it’s like to work for them, and they receive high marks for overall satisfaction.
Formal and Informal Training
Formal and informal training are essential components of any summer associate program. Firms like McDermott, BakerHostetler, and Morgan Lewis provide their summer associates with opportunities to do meaningful work on actual client matters, participate in training programs along with their associates, and get to know their lawyers and one another.
Social Experiences
Social experiences are also an essential part of summer associate programs. Midsize law firms like Hodgson Russ LLP provide their summer associates with opportunities to attend social events and get to know their colleagues outside of the office. This allows summer associates to build relationships with their colleagues and gain a better understanding of the legal practice.
Overall, the best summer associate programs provide law students with a realistic sense of what it’s like to work at a law firm, opportunities for formal and informal training, and social experiences to build relationships with colleagues. Contact us to learn more about these programs and how they can benefit your legal career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the top law firms for employee satisfaction?
According to various surveys and rankings, some of the top law firms for employee satisfaction include Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, and Sullivan & Cromwell. These firms are known for their high salaries, challenging work, and supportive work environments.
Which law firms have the best work-life balance?
Several law firms have been recognized for their commitment to work-life balance, including Arnold & Porter, Cooley, and Fenwick & West. These firms offer flexible schedules, generous parental leave policies, and other benefits that make it easier for employees to balance their work and personal lives.
What are some of the most prestigious law firms to work for?
Some of the most prestigious law firms in the world include Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, and Sullivan & Cromwell. These firms are known for their high-profile clients, challenging work, and reputation for excellence.
What are the highest paying law firms?
Many of the most prestigious law firms also happen to be the highest paying. According to the latest data, some of the highest paying law firms include Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, and Sullivan & Cromwell.
Which law firms have a reputation for being great places to work?
In addition to the firms mentioned above, there are several other law firms that are known for being great places to work. These include Goodwin Procter, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. These firms offer supportive work environments, challenging work, and opportunities for professional growth.
What are some of the most popular law firms among employees?
Some of the most popular law firms among employees include Google’s in-house legal team, Latham & Watkins, and Kirkland & Ellis. These firms are known for their innovative work, supportive work environments, and opportunities for professional growth.
