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Bracewell

Our Survey Says

 

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Texas is known as the “Friendly State,” and associates at Texas-based Bracewell say it more than lives up to that reputation. In fact, the firm’s culture receives praise across the board; associates describe a unique phenomenon called the “Bracewell Boomerang,” which refers to the high number of associates and partners who previously left the firm and then returned. Associates attribute the boomerang effect to the firm’s supportive, team-oriented environment, which they say the firm very carefully cultivates starting with its recruiting process—although hiring is competitive, personality and fit are prioritized as much as credentials. Attorneys socialize regularly both in and outside the office and foster true friendships. Associates report feeling extremely supported by partners, many of whom go out of their way to seek out opportunities for associates. Mentoring relationships often form organically, supplementing the firm’s formal mentorship program for all associates. Along with mentorship, the firm offers extensive training programs starting at the summer associate level and continuing through an associate’s career. Associates are concerned that work, although largely substantive, is not evenly distributed, which may be the result of the firm’s “pooled” assignment system. As a result, some associates feel unable to reach the 2,000 billable hour bonus requirement, although they are pleased that the firm matches top-market compensation. The firm makes efforts to support wellness through various initiatives, but could improve in this area. Like many BigLaw firms, diversity is another area in which Bracewell has historically struggled across the board, but associates hope the firm’s newly hired diversity director can make strides in this area.

Bracewell

711 Louisiana Street
Suite 2300
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 223-2300

Firm Stats

Chairman and Managing Partner: Gregory M. Bopp
Hiring Partners: Molly Butkus and Dewey Gonsoulin, Jr. (Houston)
Total No. Attorneys (2023):
250 - 500
No. of Partners Named 2023:
7
Billable-Hour Requirement:
2,000 hours

Base Salary

1st year: $ 215,000
2nd year: $225,000
3rd year: $250,000
4th year: $295,000
5th year: $345,000
6th year: $370,000
7th year: $400,000
8th year: $415,000
Summer Associate: $4134.80 per week

Employment Contact

Jennifer S. Queen
Chief Talent Officer
(214) 758-1625
jennifer.queen@bracewell.com

No. of U.S. Offices: 8

No. of International Offices: 2

Major Office Locations

Austin, TX
Dallas, TX
Hartford, CT
Houston, TX (HQ)
New York, NY
San Antonio, TX
Seattle, WA
Washington, DC |
Dubai
London

Major Departments

Corporate & Securities
Energy
Energy Regulatory
Environmental Strategies
Finance
Financial Restructuring
Government Relations
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Infrastructure Development
Intellectual Property
Labor & Employment
Litigation
Project Development & Finance
Public Finance
Real Estate
Tax
Technology
White Collar Defense
*See firm website for complete list of practice areas and industries.