Ballard Spahr

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Ballard Spahr has a workplace that emphasizes pro bono and diversity and offers associates great interactions with partners. Well-rounded candidates with work or journal experience and strong academic credentials from a wide variety of law schools—particularly schools close to the hiring office—will do well in the hiring process. Hires will be placed in pleasant and supportive office settings. Attorneys describe few opportunities to socialize. Lateral hires report having an extensive and robust onboarding experience. Partners treat associates as colleagues and push them to grow professionally by giving them ownership of their work. They spend considerable time mentoring and training associates by providing advice and feedback. Associates welcome these partner efforts because of the limited utility of formal training offerings. Lean staffing gives associates opportunities for meaningful work and increasing responsibility, and their capacity and experience often determine the projects they are assigned. Generally, associates think a better system of task appropriation is needed. Ballard Spahr sets a reasonable 1,900-hour billable standard, and lower billable thresholds are available with approval . Salaries fall below the market rate, and although some people are willing to trade this for the work-life balance they enjoy, below-market bonuses disincentivize associates from working more than 1,900 hours. Firm technology is fine but not innovative. Similarly, wellness programs are okay, but associate buy-in seems tepid. Pro bono is an important part of the firm culture, and unlimited pro bono hours count as billable. Diversity is emphasized, with established affinity groups, sponsorship programs, and retention/promotion efforts. With only one tier, partnership can take longer to achieve but is considered a realistic goal for those who want it, and many senior attorneys transition into counsel roles or depart for in-house positions.