2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Goulston & Storrs PC

Our Survey Says

 VAULT'S VERDICT:

Goulston & Storrs recruits heavily from Boston, New York, and DC law schools in its search for well-rounded, diverse talent.  Associates uniformly report collegiality and cooperation at all levels of the firm, and they cite the absence of a billable-hour requirement as one element that eliminates competitiveness. They also tout the firm’s formal mentorship program, which pairs each new hire with both a senior associate and a partner within their practice area. From retaining the services of an in-house therapist to having no formal billable-hours requirement, associates feel the firm distinguishes itself with a significant emphasis on work-life balance. While they do report that hours have been higher than expected over the last two years, associates generally report that they are nonetheless very happy at the firm. Many associates report that partnership is not only realistic, but closer to guaranteed than at most other BigLaw firms—provided, of course, that an associate is willing to do the work required. The vast majority of those who leave without making partner do so for reasons having little to do with the firm, be it relocation needs or alternative career plans, and counsel positions and in-house exits are common alternatives to the partner path. As with most firms, Goulston & Storrs is making a significant effort on the diversity front, with associates reporting on many initiatives and actions being taken to attract and retain diverse talent—and although more work is to be done at the top, associates report seeing real changes at the associate level.