Foley Hoag LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Great things—including professional opportunities, pro bono work, and relations with partners—await associates at Foley Hoag. The hiring process emphasizes academic achievement and favors students from law schools near the firm’s Boston headquarters. Candidates should be friendly, collegial, and easygoing to match office settings, where people socialize yet respect personal time. Partners are approachable and they value associates for the work they do. Formal training ebbs after initial, first-year offerings, but helpful and supportive mentors step in to provide guidance to associates wanting to learn. Work assignments are meaningful and interesting, and often include occasions for client interaction. A central staffing system and small teams ensure the even distribution of substantive projects. Foley Hoag’s billable expectation is 1,850 hours per year, though it also seems that the high-level, market bonus only applies when an associate bills 2,000 hours (though a smaller bonus is possible at the lower threshold.) Otherwise, firm salaries match the market. Firm technology is substandard and outdated, and significant improvements are needed. Similarly, wellness efforts are pedestrian, with some counseling resources, fitness incentives, and app-based programs. On the other hand, the firm does pro bono very well, with pro bono coordinators who publicize projects—including corporate, not only litigation—frequently and with unlimited hours that count as billable. Associates recognize that Foley Hoag, with a chief DEI officer and programming, has made some efforts in the diversity field, but that more can be done. Making partner seems eminently possible given mentor guidance and the low associate-to-partner ratio, as long as associates make their hours. Otherwise, many senior associates become counsel.