Our Survey Says
VAULT'S VERDICT:
Even with its international reach and reputation, Cleary gives associates the feel of a down-to-earth neighborhood law firm. In the firm’s competitive hiring process, personality fit counts as much as academic performance. Work settings are friendly and laid back, while social events are plentiful but not overwhelming—it’s possible for people to have personal lives. Partners are respectful to associates, welcome their contributions, and provide useful feedback. Cleary seems to do training and mentoring well, with many levels of each available, including on-the-job tutelage. Lateral hires feel welcomed and trained well, though more efforts to integrate them socially would be nice. Work assignments are substantive and cutting edge, and associates are encouraged to push themselves and take on more responsibility. Practice group staffers make sure tasks are spread evenly among associates, though some work is assigned based on experience and familiarity. Clearly suggests a 1,950-hour “target” of billable work each year, without it being a strict requirement, and associates are plenty busy. Lockstep salaries and bonuses match the market and are paid regardless of hours billed. Firm technology is above average, and the firm has embraced improvements in the area of e-discovery. The firm has established some solid wellness programs, but many associates would prefer fewer hours and more time for personal lives. Cleary’s pro bono coordinator does a great job encouraging pro bono work, the hours for which count completely as billable. There have been improvements in supporting diverse individuals, especially regarding affinity groups networking events; unfortunately, ethnic diversity is lacking in the partnership ranks. Though partnership may be difficult to attain, internal counsel positions are available and external moves in-house and to the government are popular.
One Liberty Plaza
New York, NY 10006
Phone: (212) 225-2000
Managing Partner: Michael A. Gerstenzang
Hiring Partners: Abena Mainoo (NY), Daniel Culley (DC)
Total No. Attorneys (2023):
1K - 1.5K
No. of Partners Named 2023:
7
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: $4,134.62/week
Donna M. Harris
Director of Legal Recruiting—U.S.
(212) 225-3170
dharris@cgsh.com
bayarea-recruiting@cgsh.com
ny-recruiting@cgsh.com
dc-recruiting@cgsh.com
No. of U.S. Offices: 4
No. of International Offices: 12
New York, NY
Washington, DC
San Francisco
Silicon Valley I
Abu Dhabi
Beijing
Brussels
Cologne
Frankfurt
Hong Kong
London
Milan
Paris
Rome
São Paulo
Seoul
Antitrust
Banking and Financial Institutions
Bankruptcy and Restructuring
Capital Markets
Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits
Intellectual Property
International Trade and Investment
Leveraged and Acquisition Finance
Litigation and Arbitration
Mergers, Acquisitions and Joint Ventures
Private Equity
Project Finance and Infrastructure
Public International Law
Real Estate
Sovereign Governments and International Institutions
Structured Finance
Tax
White Collar Defense and Investigations
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See firm website for complete list of practice areas and industries.