Desmarais LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

To steal a phrase from ‘Hamilton’ on Broadway, Desmarais is “young, scrappy, and hungry.” In fewer than 15 years, Desmarais has made a name for itself as a destination for IP litigators who want to practice at the highest levels. Youth and innovation lead to advantages such as the ability to remodel the business of law. For example, Desmarais has eliminated the billable hour structure in favor of a variety of fee arrangements suited to each client. Moreover, this strategy was not conducive to a billable hour requirement, and attorneys appreciate freedom from billable-related worries. Although the workload can be intense, in part because of the firm’s lean staffing practices, compensation that is significantly above the market rate rewards associates for their commitment. In another benefit, the firm’s culture is friendly, personable, and relaxed. Associates and partners form close relationships, and even the name partner, John Desmarais, is engaged at quarterly firm meetings. However, firm leadership is not completely transparent, and associates wish that the partnership track were clearer, even though partnership is an achievable goal. Associates are free to take on pro bono work (except when it conflicts with the needs of paying clients). Diversity remains a challenge, which some associates say is consistent with the struggle of STEM fields to attract diverse talent, but the firm is demonstrably committed to DEI initiatives.