2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Kramer Levin

Our Survey Says

 VAULT'S VERDICT:

Kramer Levin may not be as large as other BigLaw firms, but its size is a plus for associates who want to work closely with partners in an enjoyable office environment. Hiring is focused on T14 schools and others near the firm’s base in NYC, and candidate academic achievement, work experience, and pleasant personalities are all considered. A pleasant personality is crucial for fitting in well with kind, supportive, and collaborative coworkers. Partners are accessible and generous with their time and feedback. Partners and senior associates serve as great mentors, and more training comes from hands-on work than from formal programs. Lateral hires generally feel positive about Kramer Levin’s integration efforts. Assignments are challenging and level-appropriate, and a staffing coordinator helps dole out interesting work fairly, though good work often begets more good work. Kramer Levin subscribes to a 1,950 hour target—including billable hours, unlimited pro bono hours, and up to 100 hours of DEI, internal assistance, business development, and firm citizenship—that allows for a decent balance between work and life. Salaries are the market standard, but there is some dissatisfaction with the bonus threshold, which is high and not prorated for billing fewer than 1,950 hours. Firm tech is adequate, and the firm employs an attentive IT staff. Wellness efforts, including lifestyle spending accounts and monthly allowances for other activities, are generous. Pro bono is a firm highlight. There is no limit to the pro bono hours that count as billable, and involvement is encouraged. Diversity efforts in terms of recruiting, retention, and programming are highly regarded. Although equity partnership may be difficult to attain, counsel positions, non-equity partnership, and external moves in-house or to the government are strong professional alternatives.