Foley & Lardner LLP

Our Survey Says

Vault Verdict 

Foley & Lardner hires attorneys from T14 law schools, as well as candidates from regional schools with excellent academic performance. Most entry-level hires come through the firm’s summer associate program. Associates say the firm’s culture is characterized by colleagues’ respect and hard work, and everyone treats each other with kindness. Firm-sponsored events, such as group lunches, provide social opportunities, and the firm offers to send first years to visit colleagues in different offices. Most associates are in the office three or four days per week. Partners work alongside associates on leanly staffed teams, and assignments are acquired via a free market system, which provides flexibility to work across offices and practice groups. Partners are responsive to requests from the firm’s Associates Committee and trust associates with early responsibilities, including client interaction. In addition to support from formal and informal mentors, associates receive training focused on specific skills. The firm imposes a 1,900-hour billable requirement on associates in their first three years; the requirement is 1,950 hours for associates starting in their fourth year. Up to 100 pro bono hours can be credited to the hours target, but the firm also requires 150 hours of other non-billable investment time for associates to earn a bonus. Additional bonuses are available for associates who exceed these requirements. Compensation is market and lockstep for the first three years, and it is merit-based after that. Promotion to equity partner is realistic, with the senior counsel role serving as a stepping stone. Notable perks include an annual wellness credit, counseling, and flex time, which allows attorneys to work fewer hours in exchange for lower pay.