2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE PREMIUM SPONSOR Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

For its benefits, such as the lack of a hard billable requirement and uncapped pro bono work, Cleary is a great landing spot for associates. Credentials such as good grades, journal experience, and work experience are important hiring criteria, and recruitment has expanded to include candidates in non-T14 schools. Personalities matter, too, because coworkers are collegial and enjoy each other’s company through social events and project collaboration. Associates experience close and supportive relationships with partners, who are accessible and approachable. Partner mentorship, along with training through programs like the Cleary Core Curriculum, make associates feel like they’re receiving great development opportunities. Work assignments, ranging from document review to client engagement, are challenging and interesting. Central staffing helps with the distribution of work, though invariably some projects are assigned based on experience or past working relationships. Although Cleary associates appreciate that there is no firm billable hour requirement, some feel that soft targets of at least 2,000 hours worked and 1,800 hours billable per year are the norms. The hours structure eases stress and means that bonuses—which are market rate, like their Cleary salaries—are awarded without attorneys needing to bill an exorbitant number of hours. Office technology is fine but not quite cutting-edge. Gym reimbursements, counseling, meditation, and other services are among the many wellness programs offered by the firm, and associates appreciate the support. The associates also like that unlimited pro bono hours, greatly supported by the firm, are counted toward their unspecified hours expectation. Diversity is generally addressed meaningfully through affinity groups, creditable hours for related work, parental leave, and a welcoming atmosphere. Partner promotion rates seem low, but not zero, and associates have great exit opportunities to become counsel or go in-house, into the government, among other places.