2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Haynes and Boone, LLP

Our Survey Says

 VAULT'S VERDICT:

Unique aspects of Haynes Boone, including its Texas charm and offerings like HayBoo U, make it appealing to new associates. Hiring metrics include strong grades, law school involvement, and diversity, with some tendency to hire from Texas law schools. There is a strong emphasis on personalities that will blend well with the firm’s friendly and collaborative environment. People enjoy spending time together at work and at social events. With lean teams, partners rely on associates, value their input, treat them well, and care about their development. Formal training, including for first years in the form of HayBoo U, is effective, as are hands-on experiences with partners. An attorney integration committee helps lateral hires feel welcomed immediately. Work assignments match experience level, but some are more challenging—associates are encouraged to push themselves out of their comfort zone. A weekly work allocation survey helps determine busyness and a fair distribution of projects, though sometimes favoritism plays a part. Haynes Boone sets a doable 2,000-hour billable target, and compensation matches market rates; however, salary increases are based on billing 2,000 hours the previous year, and the firm offers discretionary bonuses for non-billing-related contributions. Firm technology is updated and helpful, and a dedicated coordinator ensures there are useful wellness programs and resources. Pro bono work is valued and emphasized—even more than 100 hours can count toward the billable target with permission—and diversity efforts are commendable, including with affinity groups, in recruiting, and in promotion of diverse candidates to partner. Management provides solid guidance on prospects for being elevated to counsel or partner, which are good, and external options in-house or with other firms.