2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Ropes & Gray

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

In the hiring process, Ropes Gray looks for top candidates from both T14 and law schools near the firm’s offices. The firm prioritizes lawyers with strong interpersonal skills who fit its supportive, collegial, and respectful culture. The firm requires associates to come into the office four days per week, where they socialize at firm-sponsored activities such as catered lunches. Partners are approachable and respectful to junior attorneys. Associates receive work through a centralized staffing system that they say leads to evenly distributed workloads, and new associates get up to speed through formal training on all firm practices, and later, they receive more-specific practice-level training. In addition, they receive mentors, can join mentoring groups, and generally find success in seeking informal connections with more-senior attorneys, aided by a dedicated mentoring budget for connection. Work is both level-appropriate and substantive, and junior attorneys who express an interest and demonstrate competence can receive work above their level. The firm’s billable requirement is 1,900 hours, which includes unlimited pro bono hours and up to 100 hours for other firm-related activities. The firm pays market salaries, offers a market bonus that can be higher for attorneys who bill additional hours, and matches special bonuses. Promotion to equity partner is possible but competitive, and other positions such as counsel and senior career associate are available. Associates can generally find in-house roles with clients. Other notable perks include a concierge service; various mental health offerings, including a Thrive provider who specializes in attorney mental health; and access to a firm-managed investment fund.