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

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

If its impressive history isn’t enough to attract associates to Fried Frank, then the firm’s culture and sophisticated work should be. Top credentials and experience typically are musts for getting hired, but the firm also emphasizes personality and good cultural fit, which are key for blending well into office settings that are friendly and collaborative. Lateral hires rave about being integrated seamlessly, while associates generally feel valued, respected, and heard. Training sessions are numerous and high quality, and mentors provide a lot of direct contact and feedback. The quality of work is top-notch, with associates engaging in substantive and challenging assignments, though they do their share of more mundane administrative tasks too. Work assignments are distributed somewhat evenly through a practice group manager, although partners often feed more interesting or challenging work to associates they’ve worked with before. Associates must bill 2,000 hours to be bonus-eligible, with up to 300 pro bono and 125 qualified non-billable hours counting toward the total. Fried Frank matches the prevailing market salary scale and offers bonuses at 1,850, 2,000, 2,200, and 2,450 billable hours.  Firm technology is bolstered by a new department head, a responsive IT staff, and a committee that provides feedback. Wellness programs and fitness reimbursement efforts are appreciated, and associates appreciate the firm’s support of, commitment to, and heavy promotion of pro bono work. Affinity groups and sponsored events make associates feel that diversity is a firm priority. Though partnership may be difficult to attain, counsel positions and external moves in-house, to the government, or to other firms make associates feel good about their career prospects.