2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Gunderson is a hyper-focused firm that does one thing very well: venture capital work, particularly with tech startups. Although grades and law school prestige are important, Gunderson expects that those who wish to work there be able to demonstrate via extracurriculars or prior work experience a genuine interest in that practice area. Associates say that this is not a firm for people who want to shut the door and work; the culture is very social, and folks who enjoy that will flourish at the firm. Partners are said to be very friendly and approachable, although transparency in firm-level decision making is cited as a growth area. Although the normally reasonable billable hour requirement has been out of reach for some associates with the broader downturn in the tech world, they happily report that they still received partial bonuses and are very satisfied with their overall compensation. Work is substantive and appropriate to an associate’s level, and given the nature of Gunderson’s focus, it becomes very client-facing early and often. Associates report no problems with the firm’s tech infrastructure and say the shift to remote work during COVID was very easy. The firm’s wellness efforts receive high marks, as do both the formal and informal training structures the firm has in place. Although associates report some confusion and doubt around the viability of making partner, other exit opportunities—particularly going in-house to firm clients—are cited as both excellent and realistic. The firm launched a formal pro bono program within the last year, and though this is still regarded as a significant growth area, part of the difficulty is due to the firm’s particular focus rather than a lack of commitment from leadership. The firm is said to be moving in the right direction in terms of diversity, although, as with every firm, work remains to be done. All told, if you’re a sociable person interested in the startup world, Gunderson might be a great fit for you.