Ballard Spahr

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Ballard Spahr recruits academically accomplished students with law review, mock trial, or work experience from well-regarded law schools local to the hiring office. Coworkers are friendly, laid-back, and professional, and people enjoy working together. Partners work closely with associates, treat them well, and invest in their professional growth. Assigned associate and partner mentors are approachable and generous with advice and feedback. These hands-on, informal learning experiences are supplemented with formal training that is less frequent after an associate’s first year. Regular check-ins and early assignments help laterals integrate well. Work assignments are diverse and engaging, with opportunities to take on increasingly challenging tasks and have client contact. Ballard Spahr has a 1,900-hour billable requirement that includes unlimited pro bono work and offers flexibility on in-office and remote work. Compensation is competitive but lower than the prevailing market rate. A dedicated team promotes and publicizes pro bono prospects for substantive work through which associates gain experience. Advancement to counsel, non-equity partner, and equity partner is realistic, and attorneys who leave the firm go in-house or to other firms. Perks include generous parental leave and childcare benefits.