Locke Lord LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Core values of collegiality, collaboration, and corporate responsibility attract associates to Locke Lord. While the firm may not attract top talent, it still recruits based on law school prestige, grades, work experience, and diversity. Candidates’ personalities must match the pleasant, professional, and relaxed office environment, and they should plan on good relationships with partners, who value associates’ time and work product. Partners are approachable and take a lot of time teaching and providing feedback to associates, which is a nice complement to formal training that takes place during new associate orientation and in regular CLE sessions. Lateral hires appreciate efforts to onboard them and help them find work. Work assignments are challenging and often push associates beyond their comfort level, though partners are there to lend a hand. Projects themselves generally are distributed fairly, while some associates get work based on the quality of previous work and partner familiarity. For billable hours, an associate must hit 1,950 hours to advance to the next salary level and 2,050 hours to qualify for a bonus. Salaries are below the market standard, and hours-based and discretionary bonuses only allow associates to reach the market salary level. Firm technology is adequate, with some less innovative areas that need some improvement. Locke Lord offers fairly standard wellness initiatives, and though it does promote pro bono work, it could do a better job of connecting associates with specific projects. Diversity seems solid in terms of education, recruiting, retention, and promotion. Promotion to partner is possible and, perhaps, expected; if it doesn’t happen, counsel roles and external moves in-house are likely.