Bracewell

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Bracewell hires associates from top national and regional law schools who earn good grades, work hard, and show enthusiasm for practicing law. People in the office are upbeat, collaborative, and social, and they enjoy in-office and after-hours social interactions. Partners are accessible, respectful, and invested in associates’ long-term development. In addition, senior attorneys are advocates and mentors for more-junior associates, providing guidance on matters. Training is offered in workshops, bootcamps, and CLE sessions. Associates receive substantive, challenging work assignments early in their careers and enjoy significant face time with clients. Projects are generally evenly distributed within practice groups. Bracewell sets a 1,900-hour billable requirement that includes up to 150 hours of firm development, business development, training, recruiting, engagement and community development, or pro bono hours. Compensation matches the BigLaw market standard, and bonuses are based on both hours and performance. Firm technology includes systems for document management, collaboration, communication, and AI to help attorneys work efficiently, and the tech support team receives high praise. Wellness offerings include counseling services, fitness reimbursements, and speakers who address the firm’s BWell program. Pro bono work is encouraged and promoted through regular internal communications and organized projects. Realistic internal career paths include elevation to senior associate, then to counsel, and then to equity partner. Partners tend to be homegrown. Associates who leave the firm go in-house, to other firms, or to the government.