BakerHostetler

Our Survey Says

 VAULT'S VERDICT:

BakerHostetler recruits students with good grades and work experience from top law schools local to the hiring office. Coworkers are friendly and down-to-earth, and interactions are encouraged by people keeping their doors open and participation in social events outside the office. Partners are respectful and approachable, serving as willing mentors to associates in their professional growth and advancement and welcoming their input on matters. The firm offers formal training, which is helpful, but associates point to mentorship as particularly valuable. Laterals also receive effective training during onboarding. Work assignments reflect initiative and competence, as associates take on high-quality and complex work for sophisticated clients, with whom they have extensive contact. Partners help distribute projects evenly among teams. BakerHostetler sets a billable target of 1,950 hours and has a flexible, hybrid working environment where associates are recommended to work in the office a few days per week. Compensation is competitive but below the prevailing BigLaw rate, which associates find acceptable, citing commensurate hours expectations and the lifestyle. The firm receives high praise for its technology, and the firm is said to be at the forefront of adopting new tools to improve efficiency, including AI. Wellness is promoted through programs, monthly newsletters, and connections with mental healthcare providers. Pro bono work is encouraged, and pro bono hours count as billable hours with no limit. The firm is transparent with regard to advancement opportunities, so associates see realistic opportunities to become counsel or equity partners. There is little turnover, but those who leave go in-house or to the government.