King & Spalding LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

King & Spalding prefers candidates in the top third of their class from T14 schools and regional schools close to hiring offices. Offices can make independent hiring decisions, and each office has a slightly different culture; regardless, candidates should fit in among the warm and collegial colleagues at the firm. The culture prioritizes professional courtesy and socialization, with attorneys getting together at firm-sponsored events such as happy hours, lunches, and retreats. Partners value associates’ work, working closely with associates on leanly staffed teams. In the firm’s hybrid work allocation system, partners can assign work directly to associates via the free market, or associates can work with staffing coordinators to find assignments. Associates who seek challenging assignments above their level will receive them. Although the firm provides more formal training for junior associates than mid-level or senior associates, all associates receive an annual budget to spend on professional development plus an additional annual budget for Connect K&S, a program that allows associates to travel to different offices to network. The IT team receives high marks for responsiveness and innovation. When they join the firm, associates are assigned a more-senior associate mentor (called a “link”) to address work- and life-related questions, as well as a Talent Partner focused on associate development. The firm’s bonus threshold is 1,950 hours, which include approved pro bono work hours. The firm pays market salaries and bonuses, with additional bonuses for every 100 hours billed over the target. Promotion to equity partnership, generally after spending time in a non-equity partner or counsel role, is realistic, and the firm helps connect attorneys to in-house and government exit opportunities. Perks include parental leave benefits, an in-office gym, and four weeks of PTO.