Foley & Lardner LLP

Our Survey Says

Vault Verdict 

Foley & Lardner recruits top associates from T14 law schools and the best regional law schools near hiring offices. People at the firm are kind, easygoing, collaborative, and supportive. Partners are accessible and respectful of associates, working closely with them on lean teams and investing in their professional growth. Partners provide feedback and guidance to help associates acclimate to firm life, and both partners and senior associates serve as mentors to more-junior attorneys. Formal training is robust, with in-office sessions and online CLEs. Trainings extend to laterals, who report that the firm has established an effective integration process. Associates assume responsibility for challenging and sophisticated work assignments that involve client interaction. Foley & Lardner sets a requirement of 1,900 billable hours for an associate’s first three years and 1,950 billable hours thereafter. Additionally, associates must complete 150 hours of firm investment time. Salaries match the market for attorneys in years one to three, but then it lags, and bonuses are lower than the market rate for associates who do not bill at least 2,000 hours. Wellness initiatives include career counseling, wellness credit incentive programs, and activity competitions. The firm is committed to and passionate about pro bono work and counts 100 hours as billable. Making equity partner is a realistic goal. Those who leave typically go in-house, to other firms, or to the government.