Dechert

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Dechert recruits associates with good grades and work experience from top national law schools and top regional schools near the hiring office. Colleagues are pleasant, professional, and collaborative, and they enjoy socializing together in the office and at after-hours events. Partners are approachable. They trust and respect associates; they solicit associate input; and they are committed to associates’ professional growth. Assigned and informal senior associates and partner mentors guide and support new associates, and formal training is offered multiple times a week. Robust training and assigned mentors also help laterals integrate into the firm. Work assignments are interesting and meaningful, and junior associates manage client communications early. Work is distributed through both centralized staffing and as direct assignments from partners. Dechert requires 1,950 bonus hours, which includes 1,850 billable hours and 25 pro bono hours. The remaining 75 hours may come from any combination of additional client billable hours, additional pro bono hours, or up to 50 hours of community hours. Compensation matches the market, with bonuses up to 150% above market for associates who make exceptional contributions. The firm invests in innovative technology, including helpful AI tools and an updated timekeeping system. Wellness offerings include counseling resources, coaching, meditation sessions, fitness challenges, and periodic mindfulness programming. A dedicated pro bono partner encourages and publicizes related work, with 25 hours required and up to 100 hours counted as bonus hours and unlimited pro bono hours counted toward extraordinary bonuses. Promotion to income partner and equity partner is possible. An internal executive coach is focused exclusively on helping associates make career transitions to in-house and government positions.

THE FIRM'S PERSPECTIVE:

Dechert is the law firm that helps business leaders lead. From the railroads of the 19th century to the world’s top asset managers of today, we advise the innovators who move industries forward. Our nearly 1,000 lawyers, in commercial centers worldwide, are immersed in the key sectors we serve. We consult on first-to-market financial products. Structure precedent-setting deals in private capital and real estate. Propel ventures that drive progress in life sciences and technology. Because all litigation is high stakes and every matter is business-critical, we work shoulder to shoulder with clients, invested and unwavering. For more than 150 years, Dechert has been where leaders need us—at the forefront of the law. Ahead of market shifts and regulatory tides. And wherever business moves next, we’ll be there—partnering with leaders to transcend the expected and achieve the uncommon.