2022 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

The firm is a true New York elite, and they’re looking for the best and brightest young lawyers. Davis Polk hires heavily from the T14 law schools, but high achievers from other law schools are also well represented. Getting in the door might be competitive, but once in, associates rave about the culture. Davis Polk attorneys are almost universally “polite” and “respectful,” and while hours can be high and workloads heavy, colleagues go out of their way to be appreciative and accommodating. The absence of a billable hour requirement allows associates to focus more on quality of work than quantity. Salary and bonuses are lockstep, and Davis Polk is a market mover when it comes to compensation. Firm leadership could be more transparent on “macro” decisions, but regular town hall meetings provide some insight. Associates enjoy working on sophisticated legal matters, and a small-team structure means that associates receive early responsibility—and while some “grunt work” comes with the territory, associates are quick to note that this is typical at the junior level. Technology could be better but is more than sufficient to meet attorney needs. The firm offers extensive wellness programs, including on-site health care and fitness subsidies, and although the demands of the job can make it hard to take full advantage, associates recognize that this is an industry-wide challenge. Similarly, while diversity has been a pain point in the legal world, Davis Polk has made strides in recruiting and retaining diverse attorneys. Associates are thrilled about their career prospects; partnership is highly competitive, but counsel positions at the firm are desirable, and exit opportunities are extensive.