Sheppard Mullin

Our Survey Says

VAULT’S VERDICT:

Dramatic growth hasn’t changed the facts that Sheppard Mullin handles many matters well and is a major draw for associates. Hiring practices extend beyond top law schools, with emphases on a candidate’s grades, prior work experience, and likability. Office settings are inclusive, respectful, and team-oriented, and partners establish open-door policies because they value associates and want to help them develop their career through frequent feedback. This in-person, on-the-job training is bolstered by coordinated and thorough training materials and sessions. Laterals are effectively onboarded and welcomed. Work assignments are meaningful and challenging, with associates having opportunities to take on more responsibility or more control of their cases. Associates are expected to find their own work through a free-market system, and projects seem to be allocated equitably. Sheppard Mullin’s billable target is a feasible 2,000 hours—after an 1,850 billable threshold is met, this target can also include unlimited pro bono work; 75 hours of professional development, recruiting, D&I, client development, innovation, and wellness activities; and 40 hours of “unplug and recharge” (i.e., vacation) time. Salaries are consistent with the market rate, and commensurate bonuses are awarded to attorneys who bill 2,200 and 2,400 hours. Tech resources, including internal AI tools, are updated and effective, and the firm seems responsive to associate recommendations. Wellness initiatives, including the aforementioned unplug and recharge time, easy access to online resources, and gym subsidies, are appreciated. The firm has a pro bono partner who is dedicated to supporting and encouraging pro bono work. Diversity efforts include retreats, recruiting efforts, thoughtful promotion, and committee establishment. The full range of promotions—to counsel, non-equity partner, and equity partner—are possible at Sheppard Mullin, as are in-house transitions.

THE FIRM'S PERSPECTIVE:

Sheppard Mullin is a full-service AmLaw 100 firm with more than 1,000 attorneys in 16 offices worldwide.

We pride ourselves on valuing and cultivating what we think matters most: people—our colleagues, our clients, and the larger communities in which we operate. 

We are proud of our culture, which emphasizes civility and teamwork, and we strive to maintain a collegial and inclusive environment where lawyers want to be.   We hold multiple annual retreats to create and strengthen bonds across offices and practices.  We encourage well-being, putting our money where our mouth is through our associate Unplug & Recharge Program, access to Lyra Health and Wellness, and our generous parental baby-bonding leave policies, among other innovative initiatives. 

Our commitment to attorney growth and development is an integral part of our strategic plan.  We realize not all attorneys want to become partner, so our Career Advisory Program provides confidential coaching for those who seek non-partner or in-house opportunities. 

Our clients are not only business partners but also part of our professional family.  Client service is in our DNA which is why we are consistently ranked among BTI Consulting’s Most Recommended Law Firms list.

Our commitment to the larger community is evidenced by our pro bono work; our Impact Initiative, which allows the Sheppard Mullin family to improve our communities through charitable donations as well as volunteering; and our partnerships with our clients and D&I-focused organizations to drive diversity and inclusion progress in the legal and larger business communities and within the firm.