2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Associates describe the people at Fried Frank as warm, sociable, and collaborative, and they credit the partnership at the firm with respectful working relationships and transparency around firm financials and promotion prospects. Associates are expected to spend three days in the office, and to receive a market-level bonus, they must meet the 2,000-hour billable requirement. Because 125 of these hours can come from qualified non-billable work and up to 300 hours can come from pro bono work, associates say that it is one of the better requirements in BigLaw. The firm’s commitment to pro bono is further evidenced by its placement of full-time pro bono attorneys who consistently inform attorneys about pro bono opportunities. The firm receives high marks for wellness initiatives, which include free counseling, event programming, and a stipend. Associates receive many opportunities for formal practice-specific training and assigned mentors, and they point to a culture of informal training and mentorship with partners who take interest in their development. Promotion to equity partnership is possible for those who wish to do the work, and the path is transparent; counsel roles are also available and viable long-term. Exit opportunities are strong. Fried Frank pays market or higher compensation, and with its tendency to elevate homegrown partners, it’s a feasible place to spend a career.