2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE PREMIUM SPONSOR Orrick

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Perhaps without being flashy, Orrick focuses on top-notch legal work and being a great landing spot for associates, who come from a large range of law schools, not exclusively T14 or feeder schools. Office settings are welcoming, offering cooperation and support, with partners who are eager to mentor associates and help advance their careers. Formal training offerings are strong, though associates learn best through interactions with partners and senior associates. Lateral hires feel like part of the team and the firm culture very quickly. Most work assignments are substantive and level-appropriate, and associates have opportunities to take on increased responsibility. Tasks are assigned fairly, with availability, expertise, and experience often informing assignments. The billable requirement of 1,950 hours is reasonable, and associates like the flexibility of working when and where they wish. Orrick follows the leaders in matching market compensation rates, and bonuses for high performers can exceed market rates. Technology is a strength, as the firm is quick to adopt the newest offerings, including those involving AI. Orrick offers many wellness initiatives, including stipends and programs aimed at physical and mental well-being and 40 hours of bonus-eligible time to unplug each year. A pro bono coordinator facilitates many opportunities in the field, and attorneys are expected to have at least 20-25 pro bono hours each year, and there is no cap on pro bono hours. Firm settings are fairly diverse and are bolstered by active inclusion networks that engage in numerous activities. Making partner at Orrick seems to be realistic with many options to become career associate or counsel.

FIRM PERSPECTIVE:

We’re thinking differently about legal careers.

Orrick lawyers focus on one or more sectors: Tech & Innovation, Life Sciences, Energy & Infrastructure and Finance. Within sector, you’ll have a practice focus: transactional, litigation or regulatory.

Our clients include 4,500 venture-backed companies, 13 of the 25 largest public tech companies, renewable energy innovators, financial institutions, 700+ fintech companies and 500+ AI companies.

Through cutting-edge work with disruptive companies and our strong pro bono practice, you’ll have the opportunity to make an impact on today’s most important issues.

We invest in innovation – including cutting-edge AI-powered tools – to take the grind out of legal work.

We have a deep commitment to training in legal and business skills, and associates attend four immersive development academies as they advance.

We offer fast-track advancement and flexibility – 20% of our 2023/2024 U.S. new partner classes made partner in less than 8.5 years.

We make hard work sustainable through bonus-eligible time to unplug, the Calm app and Modern Health platform, and wellness dollars to invest in self-care.

Our senior leadership is 55% diverse (including nine women), and 90% of our 2024 U.S. new partner class is diverse.

Through our Racial Justice Fellowship Program, five associates work full time each year at organizations dedicated to civil rights, criminal justice reform and economic equity.

If you want to join a team that’s among the best at what we do, practice in cutting-edge areas, and be part of a forward-looking, inclusive and community-oriented firm, we hope you’ll have a conversation with us.