Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Cravath hires associates from T20 law schools, as well as top students from a wide range of other law schools. Colleagues are respectful and courteous. They get to know each other, and they are dedicated to excellence. Partners value associates and are generous with their time and feedback. Associates receive training at orientation and through planned sessions and CLE offerings, and senior attorneys mentor associates through formal programs and informal relationships. Lateral hires feel integrated, but they do not benefit from the programming offered to summer and early-career associates. Associates get cutting-edge, meaningful work early in their careers because of lean teams, and they enjoy extensive interactions with clients. Although they do not need to meet a billable hour requirement, associates work many hours. They say that the flexibility of the three-day in-office policy, quality of work, and support help make the workload manageable. Moreover, Cravath is always a compensation leader. The firm invests heavily in tech systems and software, with early and quick adoption of AI tools. Wellness initiatives include counseling services, a staff dietician, and HR-sponsored well-being events. Pro bono is encouraged and offerings are extensive, with matters considered as important as billable matters. Associates can be promoted to senior attorney, of counsel, or non-equity partner; however, elevation to equity partner is rare, and the process is not transparent. The firm supports lateral moves in-house and to other firms.

FIRM'S PERSPECTIVE

At Cravath, our most important long-term goal is the professional development of our lawyers, and we take a holistic approach to this objective—one that recognizes the importance of training, relationship-building, mentoring, and balancing career and personal obligations and interests. Our lawyers come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, but they all share important qualities—intelligence, creativity, a strong work ethic, and a desire to excel.

The hallmark of our training program is our unique rotation system. Associates are assigned work with a partner or small group of partners for a period of time. At the end of that period, each associate switches—or “rotates”—to work with a different partner or group of partners within their department of choice. This allows associates to form close working relationships with several partners and a mix of associates in different stages of their careers. Teams are leanly staffed to provide ample opportunities for associates to collaborate with their partners on each matter to which they are assigned.

In addition to the mentoring they receive as part of the rotation system, associates are also supported through our formalized programs. Associates are assigned an associate advisor when they arrive and later have the opportunity to participate in our partner mentor program. All associates may also join our internal affinity groups, which offer them the chance to build relationships with their colleagues and enhance their sense of community.

Our approach promotes the highest level of client service, excellence in lawyering, and a collegial workplace.