Kilpatrick Townsend

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

If an associate wants to engage in sophisticated intellectual property work, he/she would be hard pressed to find a better landing spot than Kilpatrick Townsend. The vetting process for new associates is extensive, with preferences for candidates from regional schools who have solid grades, clerkship experience, and (obviously) an interest in IP work. Office settings are collegial and collaborative, yet work is emphasized more than engaging in social activities. Associates appreciate that partners respect and value them, and that they are invested in their growth and development. Lateral hires, however, feel a bit lost as they transition into the firm. Formal training has limited utility, but associates receive a lot of direct experience under the helpful guidance of assigned and ad hoc mentors. Associates take on a wide range of important and challenging projects that are dispensed fairly, though capacity, experience, and previous connections often factor in. Work is abundant, and Kilpatrick Townsend imposes a demanding billable hour requirement of 1,950 hours. Junior associates benefit from market-level salaries; unfortunately, bonuses and salaries after the second year fall below the industry average. The firm’s IT staff is responsive, and office technology needs to be updated. Wellness initiatives are non-existent beyond occasional webinars and events. A partner dedicated to pro bono work heavily promotes projects within the firm. Fifty pro bono hours count as billable, and attorneys receive a bonus for more than 100 hours. Women and persons of color are prominent in Kilpatrick Townsend, but more efforts are needed to elevate them to leadership/partnership positions. Associates are confident in opportunities to make partner, be promoted to counsel, or exit for positions in-house or at other law firms.