2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER McGuireWoods

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

As the oldest law firm in Virginia, McGuireWoods has come a long way from its small beginnings thanks to strategic mergers and growth. Still, the firm retains its Southern charm; associates praise the firm’s collegial, pleasant culture which, while not overly social, is very much a welcoming environment. Hiring is holistic, and the firm casts a wide net across law schools to find the right candidates, with a particular focus on local law schools near firm offices as well as top-rated schools. While firm management is not always transparent about decision making, associates appreciate being treated with respect by partners across the board, and annual performance reviews are thorough. The billable hour requirement is considered reasonable at 1,950 hours, although associates would appreciate billable credit for more firm-related activities like recruiting, diversity-related work, training, and client development. Associates are largely satisfied with their salaries and enjoy working on substantive, engaging assignments, but note that the productivity bonuses are not competitive with peer firms. Wellness initiatives are sparse, as is formal training, but associates learn on the job and through post-project feedback, and attorneys step up as mentors. The firm promotes pro bono work, with 50 hours of billable-hour credit per year, and has a number of diversity initiatives in place, including a Diverse Associates Leadership Program. McGuireWoods is not an “up or out” firm, meaning that associates feel supported in their career prospects, whether as partners or non-partner senior roles. Many associates leave the firm for in-house counsel roles at well-known companies and government agencies, as well.