2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Jones Day

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Jones Day’s motto of “One Firm Worldwide” is not merely a talking point. Jones Day might be one of the largest law firms in the United States, but it operates seamlessly across its 40 worldwide offices, and associates attest to its success. As a result, even associates in small regional offices get the chance to work with colleagues in the biggest cities, representing elite clients on highly sophisticated matters that lawyers in most smaller markets never see. The “one firm” model can only work, however, when attorneys are committed to making it work; therefore, the hiring process prioritizes candidates who demonstrate not only interest in the firm but also commitment to collaboration and teamwork. Although top credentials are important, the firm doesn’t limit itself to hiring from T14 schools; in fact, it hires top candidates from the many markets in which the firm has offices. Once in the door, associates praise the culture, which blends “Midwestern values,” professionalism, and ambition. Partners are invested in associate success, which is one of the reasons many associates view partnership as an achievable goal. Hours can be long, and some associates express frustration with uneven work distribution, but on the whole, attorneys can maintain relatively balanced home and social lives. Compensation is notoriously a black box at Jones Day, with bonuses baked into a total compensation package that generally mirrors big city market rates; attorneys in smaller markets can see total compensation numbers much higher than those of their regional peers. Work quality is high across the board, and Jones Day particularly excels at pro bono, notably running an entire office at the United States-Mexico border to assist migrants seeking asylum.