2022 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

For energy law, pro bono opportunities, and positive associate/partner relations, associates should look no further than Hunton Andrews Kurth. The usual criteria—good grades from top schools, work experience, journal experience, and clerkships—impact recruiting, as does the right fit for the firm’s friendly, respectful environment. Lawyers and staff get along well and enjoy social time together. Partners care about associates and provide meaningful experiences and feedback. Official training occurs early but then wanes; however, associates can approach more-senior attorneys for guidance and hands-on tutelage. Associates enjoy material assignments and client contact, but many also feel saddled with mundane administrative tasks. Further, they need to be proactive in seeking work, though partners often favor associates they’ve worked with before. HuntonAK sets a reasonable 2,000-hour billable requirement, and while associates are pleased that salaries generally match the market, greater transparency around bonus criteria would be appreciated. Firm technology could use improvement, though remote work functions well, and wellness efforts are noted, though some associates feel variety and buy-in could be better. The firm shines with its commitment to pro bono work—annual goals include 100% participation and 3% of all billable hours, both of which are regularly met, and associates can count 100 hours as billable. Diversity gets high marks, too, in terms of hiring, programming, retreats, and 25 hours of related work that apply to billables. Making partner can be difficult, as the firm only has equity partners, and the process can be lengthy, but alternatives include internal counsel positions and external moves in-house and to government positions.