Sheppard

Our Survey Says

VAULT’S VERDICT:

Sheppard hires new associates who balance academic excellence with social skills and will fit in the firm’s relaxed culture. Colleagues are collaborative, professional, and social. Attorneys and staff members enjoy frequent, friendly interactions, and the firm hosts fun events for attorneys, including off-site retreats. Partners interact with associates upon onboarding, and they invite associates to give input on matters. They also take an active role in associate development through feedback and mentoring, and each associate also receives an associate mentor. Leadership communicates firm-related updates in person at each office at least once per year. Partners assign associates work above their class level, which accelerates their professional growth. The firm requires attorneys to work from the office at least three days per week and imposes a 2,000-hour requirement to receive a bonus. Twenty mandated pro bono hours, vacation hours, and some career development and firm citizenship hours are creditable to this target. The firm places no cap on creditable pro bono hours once an associate meets the billable hours requirement. Compensation matches the market, and above-market bonuses and discretionary bonuses are available for high billers. Each associate receives an annual tech stipend to furnish their home office. Promotion to partner is realistic, and an advisor guides associates through the partnership process. Special counsel roles are also available, and associates can transition to in-house roles.

THE FIRM'S PERSPECTIVE:

Sheppard is an Am Law 50 firm where people come first—our colleagues, our clients, and the larger communities where we work. Here, you’ll find a culture grounded in respect, teamwork, and inclusion.

Throughout your career at Sheppard, you’ll have countless opportunities to build meaningful relationships with lawyers across offices and practice groups, through social events, hands-on collaboration, and in-person academies and retreats that bring colleagues together firmwide.

We also support well-being through our Unplug & Recharge Program, wellness coaching, and generous parental baby-bonding leave and other progressive initiatives.

Professional development is a core focus at Sheppard.  Our commitment to lawyer growth and development is integral to our strategic plan.  Through structured training, mentorship, and personalized coaching, we’re committed to helping you build the skills and judgment needed to succeed.  And because not all lawyers want to become partners, our Career Advisory Program provides confidential coaching for those exploring non-partner paths or in-house opportunities.

Our clients are not only business partners but also part of our professional family so client service is in our DNA. It’s why BTI Consulting consistently ranks Sheppard in its Most Recommended Law Firms list.

Service is part of who we are. We dedicate substantial time to pro bono work; support charitable giving and volunteerism through our Impact Initiative; and partner with clients to advance diversity and inclusion within the firm and across the broader legal and business communities.

At Sheppard, you’ll work on sophisticated, high-impact matters and build the foundation for a rewarding, sustainable career.