Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

As an early adopter of the “work from anywhere” policy, Quinn Emanuel was a pioneer—but it’s also unique in the high-level litigation work its attorneys do. The desire to do litigation work comes up in the hiring process, as do grades, law school attended, and clerkship experience. People enjoy and support each other in pleasant office settings, but social activities are limited with many of the attorneys working remotely. Partners are collaborative and respectful, while firm transparency and communication need improvement. Formal training and mentoring could be improved as well, though associates and laterals get plenty of on-the-job experience. Associates report that most work assignments are challenging to the point of being at or above associates’ experience level. A free market system means associates look for their own work, with some assignments given based on experience and availability. Quinn Emanuel has a high 2,100-hour billable requirement, but market salaries and above-market bonuses for meeting the hours requirement and for clerkships are appreciated. Firm technology is not innovative, perhaps even outdated, and wellness efforts fall short, especially given the number of hours associates work. These hours also impact the amount of pro bono work associates can do, with only 100 hours counting as billable. Firm diversity efforts seem to be limited to some improvements in recruiting and hiring, as well as the existence of affinity groups. Partnership is difficult but not impossible to obtain, counsel is an alternative, and the exceptional litigation experience gained at Quinn Emanuel opens the door for many external placement opportunities.