2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

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VAULT’S VERDICT:

Founded by a pair of FBI agents in 1945, Akin’s culture is described by one of their associates as “really kind nerds.” Partners respect and value associates, and the firm gets high marks for transparency in performance and decision-making. The firm has a bonus-eligible hour requirement of 1,950, and attorneys are encouraged to work a hybrid three-days-per-week in-office schedule. Akin pays top-of-market rates in salaries and bonuses, and quickly adopts new market scales when shifts occur. Work assignments are generally substantive and appropriate to associate experience levels. The firm’s technology is fully supportive of a hybrid work schedule, and most tech works with no issues. The firm offers several initiatives supporting physical and mental health, and while formal training is available, most associates emphasize the value of informal training and mentorship from partners and other associates. Partnership is regarded as realistically achievable, but difficult to attain; the firm offers viable non-partner senior roles, and exit opportunities are abundant. The firm has a very strong commitment to pro bono work, and pro bono hours count as bonus-eligible with no cap. Finally, the firm is strongly committed to DEI initiatives, supporting several affinity groups and offering bonus-eligible hours for DEI activities.