Dechert

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Dechert recruits associates from a range of law schools, including the best students from local schools. The office culture is welcoming and uplifting, and there’s an emphasis on employee well-being and personal time over forced socialization. Partners treat associates humanely, value their contributions, and care about their professional development. Both optional and mandatory formal trainings are scheduled regularly, and mentors take the time to teach and support associates. The firm also offers training and events that help lateral hires onboard and integrate into the firm. Work assignments are substantive but not overwhelming, and associates get face time with clients and receive projects that they find rewarding. The billable requirement of 1,950 hours is manageable, and 100 of these hours can be pro bono or community hours. Compensation matches the BigLaw standard, and associates can earn special and extraordinary bonuses that exceed the market. Associates appreciate the firm’s transparency, particularly with respect to the bonus structure. Dechert is dedicated to technological innovation, including AI, that supports associate efficiency. Wellness is promoted through mental health resources, executive coaching, a wellness week, and a supportive environment. Pro bono is a firm strength; opportunities are plentiful, and an unlimited number of pro bono hours can be applied to the extraordinary bonus once the minimum billable hours have been met. Partners and management share information about advancement prospects, which include counsel, non-equity partner, and equity partner. Those who leave find positions in-house, with the government, or with other firms and are supported in this process by Dechert Career Pathways, a program to help match associates who are looking for their next opportunity with new roles.

THE FIRM'S PERSPECTIVE:

Dechert has built a global platform across 21 locations with a singular focus—delivering the highest-quality advice that is actionable, commercial, and delivered efficiently. Our firm undertakes work for 40 of the “Fortune 100” companies and represents more than 200 private equity and investment firms. We also advise all 10 of the top 10 global asset management firms, and 41 of the top 50 global private debt firms.

In all we do, we aim to be a force for good for our employees, our clients, and our world. We strongly believe in the power of giving back. We live up to this standard by performing the equivalent of more than $95 million in services delivered to people and causes in need of legal representation. We were also proud of our Dechert Days of Service program, in which colleagues join with local neighbors to make our cities a better place to live.

Through our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, Dechert works tirelessly to ensure that everyone is a full member of our organization. We hold regular firmwide speaker events on timely topics designed to deepen our understanding of racism and allyship, ultimately forging a stronger sense of community.

We are also committed to providing well-being resources and support systems to ensure that a career at Dechert means not just succeeding but thriving.

In all, our values are rooted in exceptional client service, innovation, diversity, and community—and, ultimately, they are reflected not only in words but in our actions.