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Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

As the oldest Wall Street firm, Cadwalader has spent the last 230 years working with top-of-the-line clients on complex legal and business issues. Associates come from a diverse array of law schools and have good grades and a personality that will fit with the firm. Lateral associates are quickly integrated into the firm and feel a part of the Cadwalader community. The firm is social, friendly, and open, and associates are supportive of one another at work. Partners are down to earth and eager to take the time to train junior associates and discuss the firm’s performance and future plans. Cadwalader truly values the development of associates, and mentorship relationships develop both formally and informally. The path to partnership is realistic for those who want it, and outside opportunities in the government, in-house, or at other firms are readily available. Associates feel the work is evenly distributed via the central staffing system, and the 2,000 billable hour requirement is fair and reasonable given that 100 hours can be devoted to pro bono, diversity efforts, and other qualified work. The firm is quick to match market compensation and bonuses. Wellness efforts are plentiful, but associates value the flexibility in when and where they work the most. Cadwalader provides associates with innovative technology and everything needed to set up offices for remote work. The firm’s efforts in pro bono and diversity initiatives are intertwined and heavily supported. Many of Cadwalader’s pro bono initiatives involve helping the underserved and disadvantaged, including minorities, veterans, nonprofit organizations, and the LGBTQ community.

THE FIRM'S PERSPECTIVE:

A career at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP is truly an opportunity to “make history”—to become part of the legacy of the U.S.’s 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.

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP

200 Liberty Street
New York, NY 10281
Phone: (212) 504-6000

Firm Stats

Managing Partner: Patrick Quinn
Hiring Partners: Henry A. LaBrun (Charlotte); Lisa J. Pauquette (New York); Gregory W. Langsdale (Washington, DC)
Total No. Attorneys (2023):
250 - 500
No. of Partners Named 2023:
9
Billable-Hour Requirement:
2000

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
9th year: $425,000
Summer Associate: $4,135 /week

Employment Contact

Tara Conlon
Director of Legal Recruitment
(212) 993-2929
tara.conlon@cwt.com
General Recruiting Email: recruiting.ny@cwt.com

No. of U.S. Offices: 3

No. of International Offices: 2

Major Office Locations

Charlotte, NC
New York, NY (HQ)
Washington, DC I
London
Dublin

Major Departments

Antitrust
Banking
Capital Markets
Corporate
Derivatives & Structured Products
Executive Compensation, Benefits & ERISA
Finance
Financial Regulation
Financial Restructuring
Financial Services
Fund Finance
Insurance and Reinsurance
Intellectual Property
Investment Management
Litigation
Private Wealth
Real Estate
Securitization & Asset Based Finance
Tax
White Collar Defense and Investigations
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See firm website for complete list of practice areas and industries.