Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Even after 230 years, Cadwalader still gives its associates top-notch opportunities, especially in terms of partner-associate relationships, compensation, and quality of work. Recruiting takes place mostly at T14 law schools but extends to other schools as well; the common factors for successful candidates are top grades and work experience. Daily office interactions are open, pleasant, and collaborative, and the number of social activities varies by group. Partners are approachable and supportive but don’t micromanage associates, giving them opportunities to grow. Associate development continues through firmwide and practice group-specific trainings, assigned mentors, and regular feedback from senior attorneys. Lateral hires feel that their onboarding could be improved by diving into firm practices and expectations. Associates can push themselves and take on greater responsibilities through work assignments, which include both basic tasks and more challenging, sophisticated ones. Cadwalader sets a 2,000-hour billable goal, and 100 of these hours can be met with pro bono or diversity efforts. Salaries and bonuses are in line with other BigLaw firms. An engaged IT staff helps attorneys troubleshoot issues with office technology, which needs to be updated. A range of wellness initiatives are available, but the firm has not been effective in informing associates about them. Pro bono work is highly encouraged, and various causes are served. Very active affinity groups, firm-sponsored events, and a supportive environment make associates feel that diversity issues are embraced and addressed. Making partner at Cadwalader takes a while and may be a more reasonable goal in certain practice groups. Counsel positions seem abundant, and those who decide to leave the firm often go in-house, to clerkships, or to the government.

THE FIRM'S PERSPECTIVE:

A career at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP is truly an opportunity to make history and become part of the legacy of the oldest Wall Street law firm with more than 230 years of legal experience and innovation benefiting our clients.

Today’s Cadwalader advises the world’s leading financial institutions, corporations, and funds. Our lawyers help clients identify opportunities, create value, and manage risk by crafting innovative business solutions and developing sophisticated legal strategies. We firmly believe that the truest measure of our success is the success of our clients.

Our lawyers work across practices and geographies, seamlessly integrating their experience, insight, vision, and values to deliver the highest-quality legal work.

The firm’s continued strength lies in attracting, retaining, and nurturing the very best talent from all backgrounds. By building a diverse, inclusive team, we offer clients the power of multiple perspectives and the full scope of our individual strengths. We are committed to ensuring that the future composition of Cadwalader will, with each passing year, more closely reflect the global community that we serve.

Within the fabric of our firm is a deep-seated commitment to giving back to our communities through public service and pro bono work. Our dedication to the principles of corporate social responsibility is also based on this long-standing tradition of serving the public good.

In the end, culture counts, and Cadwalader has worked very hard to create a firm where lawyers and staff feel supported, where diversity matters, and where everyone is an important contributor to the firm’s success.