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Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT: 

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner masterfully strikes a balance between its current BigLaw identity and its Midwestern roots. The firm’s identity has added complexity thanks to a recent merger with a London-based firm, which increased both the length of the firm’s name and its global footprint. The firm’s hiring process is competitive as a result of small summer associate classes, and is regionally focused with offices seeking top talent from local law schools. BCLP’s culture is friendly and relaxed without being overly social, which associates feel facilitates good work-life balance. Partners are accessible thanks to an open-door policy, which enhances the firm’s mentorship offerings, but firm management could be more transparent in several areas. The 1,900-hour billable requirement is considered reasonable, but bonus eligibility begins at 2,000 hours. Perceptions of compensation vary depending on office location; salary and bonus lag behind in major cities, but in smaller markets, BCLP’s compensation package is considered high. Work is high-level and sophisticated, and although training leans towards “sink or swim,” the firm does offer formal learning opportunities. Partnership is attainable but difficult, and associates would like greater transparency on the process. Wellness initiatives are available, and extensive efforts to increase diversity have reaped some rewards. Pro bono is encouraged and supported, with 100 hours counted towards billable hour totals. 

THE FIRM'S PERSPECTIVE:

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) brings enduring value to client relationships. By combining the practice experience, industry knowledge, and market connections of more than 1,300 corporate and finance transactions, litigation, and investigations, and real estate lawyers across 31 offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. With our recognized leadership in applying legal service and technology innovation, we deliver commercial advantage to our clients. Companies—including 35% of the Fortune 500—rely on us to protect their interests and make their business ambitions become business realities.

We work with individuals, businesses, and multinational corporations across the globe. We make it a priority to understand our clients’ needs and immerse ourselves in their industries in order to become a true partner, offering exceptional value, responsive service, and results-oriented solutions.

Distinctively for law firms, BCLP is structured as a single, fully integrated international team, meaning clients can rely on clear, connected legal advice, wherever and whenever it is needed. We believe when our lawyers work together across practice areas, offices, and countries, our clients are the ones who benefit.

Our ability to provide our clients with the highest level of service is wholly dependent on our ability to attract and develop people who will carry on the firm’s tradition of excellence. BCLP thrives on talent and we invest heavily in helping our people fulfill their potential. Everyone is encouraged to think differently. Great ideas are celebrated, excellent work is appreciated, and you will uncover an international network that ensures global reach.

BCLP

211 North Broadway
Suite 3600
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 259-2000

Firm Stats

CEO: Steve Baumer
Total No. Attorneys (2024):
1K - 1.5K
No. of Partners Named 2024:
14
Billable-Hour Requirement:
1,900

Base Salary

Salaries not disclosed.

Employment Contact

Kate Ford
Director of Recruitment
(312) 602-5103
kate.ford@bclplaw.com
General Recruiting email: usrecruiting@bclplaw.com

No. of U.S. Offices: 18

No. of International Offices: 13

Major Office Locations

St. Louis, MO
Atlanta, GA
Boulder, CO
Charlotte, NC
Chicago, IL
Colorado Springs, CO
Dallas, TX
Denver, CO
Irvine, CA
Jefferson City, MO
Kansas City, MO
Los Angeles, CA
Miami, FL
New York, NY
Phoenix, AZ
San Francisco, CA
Seattle, WA
Washington, DC
Abu Dhabi
Berlin
Brussels
Dubai
Frankfurt
Hamburg
Hong Kong
London
Manchester
Paris
Singapore
Southampton
Tel Aviv

Major Departments

Arbitration, Real Estate & Construction Disputes
Business & Commercial Disputes
Class Actions and Mass Torts
Commercial Construction
Commercial Real Estate
Corporate Transactions
Employment & Labor
Energy, Environment, & Infrastructure
Finance Transactions
Financial Services Disputes & Investigations
Planning and Zoning
Real Estate Finance
Tax, Employee Benefits, and Private Client
Technology & IP Disputes
Technology, Commercial, & Government Affairs
White Collar, Antitrust, & International Trade
*See firm website for complete list of practice areas and industries.