King & Spalding LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Expanding from Atlanta to 22 other cities, King & Spalding is noteworthy because of its top compensation, meaningful work, and exceptional tutelage from partners. Recruiting focuses on students from T20 schools with good grades and work or clerkship experience, and offices hire from area law schools as well. Coworkers are pleasant and collaborative. Social events are regularly held, but attendance is not mandatory. Partners embrace open-door policies and welcome opportunities to coach, mentor, answer questions, and help associates build their careers. Formal training is limited, but associates are given a $3,000 budget for professional development to pursue their own training. Lateral hires are transitioned effectively and staffed on cases quickly. Work assignments are based on the tasks that need to be done, from administrative chores to challenging projects and direct contact with clients. Notably, teams are lean, and staffing coordinators help associates obtain substantive work. King & Spalding’s formal requirement of 1,950 billable hours is manageable, but the unwritten expectation of 2,000 hours is more arduous. Compensation falls in line with industry standards, even in smaller markets, with bonuses awarded based on additional hours worked or other contributions. The firm seems slow to adopt new technologies, leading to both computer and software issues. Wellness initiatives are plentiful, but buy-in has been below average. Pro bono work is an important part of the firm, and associates can seek approval for completing more than the 100 baseline hours that are typically credited. Internal professional advancement options, such as senior associate, counsel, and partner, are favorable. Those who make external moves typically go to other firms or the government or take in-house positions.