2022 DIVERSITY DATABASE PREMIUM SPONSOR Orrick

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

In many ways, Orrick is a unicorn among BigLaw firms: Associate well-being and development are true priorities, and that isn’t mere lip service. When it comes to wellness, the firm walks the walk and proactively encourages associates to unplug with 40 hours of billable vacation time, mental health days during the pandemic, and email reminders to sleep and eat well. Orrick is dedicated to its DEI initiatives, including as a founding signatory of the Move The Needle initiative. Training and mentoring are focal points at the firm, and partners demonstrate sincere interest in getting to know associates and not only provide guidance but also listen to their opinions. Transparency is another strong point for the firm—management is open in sharing its decisions and reasons behind them, and associate questions are welcome. Like any BigLaw shop, hours can be rough at times, but associates feel they have ample flexibility and believe the firm is supportive in helping them balance their hours. Associates also appreciate the various areas that count toward the 1,950 billable floor, including pro bono, shadowing, business development, and 50 hours of DEI. Orrick is an innovator when it comes to firm technology, and the firm stepped up when it came to remote working during the pandemic. The firm does not disappoint when it comes to compensation, meeting the top of the market for compensation and bonus, matching recent special bonuses, and offering above-market bonuses for high billers. For those hoping to land a spot at the firm, Orrick views candidates holistically, considering everything from grit and emotional intelligence to law school and grades to personality and diversity.

THE FIRM'S PERSPECTIVE:

We counsel the most innovative companies in Tech, Life Sciences, Energy & Infrastructure and Finance, including 3,000 venture-backed companies, climate pioneers, Wall Street leaders and over half of Fortune’s top 10 technology companies. Our practice is evenly split between transactional, litigation and regulatory advice.

We work hard—really hard—but we’re also trying to make it sustainable. In this “always on” environment, we’re introducing benefits like 40 hours of bonus-eligible time to truly unplug. We offer above-market bonuses for top performance and wellness dollars after intense months. 

We invest in new technologies so our lawyers have the data and tools to deliver innovative advice. We give credit for time devoted to innovating, and associates have sophisticated data analytics support.

We’re committed to being an inclusive culture. Our senior leadership is 55% diverse. Our new partner classes have been at least 50% diverse over the past six years—with at least one fast-track to partnership and one fully remote new partner. New parents get at least 16 weeks of leave—dads included.

Our response to the racial and social justice crises includes creating six year-long fellowships for experienced lawyers on our team. We’re also hosting conversations with thought leaders like Dr. Henry Louis Gates and Daniel Dae Kim.

Most of all, we’re always looking for ways to change and improve. If you want to practice in cutting-edge areas, be part of a forward-looking and inclusive firm, and drive positive change in the community, we hope you’ll have a conversation with us.