Kellogg Hansen

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

“If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.” Frank Sinatra may have been singing about New York, but the lyrics apply to Kellogg Hansen. This small but powerful litigation boutique doesn’t pretend to be an easy place to work, but for litigators who want to practice at the top of their field and gain incredible experience very quickly, there is no better firm. However, candidates without federal clerkships need not apply; all Kellogg Hansen associates are hired after one or multiple federal clerkships. Clerkship is the key criterion, not grades or school for hiring, and interviews are truly personality assessments. The firm’s culture reflects the very hard work of the attorneys, who nonetheless praise the collegial environment and their colleagues, while also appreciating the lack of pressure to socialize. There is technically no billable hour requirement, but the unofficial baseline is approximately 2,400 hours, with many attorneys billing many more hours. Compensation has historically been commensurate with the high number of hours and degree of intensity, but associates report a recent decrease in bonuses with little explanation. The quality of the work is extraordinary. Learning on the job is the expectation, so formal training is minimal, but Kellogg Hansen associates wouldn’t have it any other way. Associates have maximal flexibility to work where and when they choose, and technology is sufficient to facilitate these flexible schedules. Partners are respectful and value associate contributions, but firm management lacks transparency. Associates can seek out their own pro bono opportunities, towards which the firm provides up to 200 billable hours. Partnership is a real prospect on a reliable six-year track, and Kellogg Hansen attorneys have the world at their fingertips should they choose to leave the firm.