Sheppard

Our Survey Says

VAULT’S VERDICT:

Sheppard recruits candidates who will mesh with colleagues, which associates describe as professional, caring, and collaborative. Teamwork is important at Sheppard, and people care about each other’s well-being. Partners communicate and listen, fielding questions from associates and supporting their professional growth. Assigned and informal partner and associate mentors check in with and provide feedback to new attorneys, and extensive training opportunities supplement associate development. Similarly, mentors in conjunction with a robust onboarding program ensure that laterals integrate into the firm. Lean staffing allows associates to experience a full range of tasks, from document review to challenging projects. Work is distributed fairly so that associates can meet the 1,850-hour billable requirement, which includes 40 unplug-and-recharge hours after an attorney bills 1,750 hours. Sheppard is transparent about salaries and bonuses, both of which match market standards. Technology is based on updated systems, research tools, and AI programs. Wellness is prioritized through initiatives such as chair yoga, free counseling services, stipends for completing physical activities, and the aforementioned unplug-and-recharge hours. The firm promotes a wide range of pro bono work opportunities, with all pro bono hours counting toward bonus eligibility after an attorney bills 1,750 hours. Equity partnership is a realistic goal, with counsel and non-equity partnership viable options. Clients, the government, and other prestigious law firms are common destinations for attorneys who exit.

THE FIRM'S PERSPECTIVE:

Sheppard is an Am Law 50 firm that prides itself on valuing what we think matters most: people—our colleagues, our clients, and the larger communities in which we operate.

We’re dedicated to preserving our culture, by fostering respect, teamwork, and a collaborative and inclusive environment where lawyers can thrive. We host multiple annual in-person retreats to strengthen bonds across offices and practices as well as have lots of fun.

We encourage well-being, putting our money where our mouth is through our Unplug & Recharge Program, wellness coaching, and generous parental baby-bonding leave policies, among other innovative and progressive initiatives.

Our commitment to attorney growth and development is integral to our strategic plan, but because not all attorneys want to become partners, 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 so client service is in our DNA. It’s why BTI Consulting consistently ranks us in its Most Recommended Law Firms list.

We demonstrate commitment to our community through significant pro bono work; our Impact Initiative, allowing the Sheppard family to improve communities through charitable donations and volunteering activities; and partnerships with our clients to drive diversity and inclusion progress in the legal and larger business communities and within the firm.

At Sheppard, you’ll have the opportunity to work on exciting, sophisticated matters while building a rewarding, sustainable career and a fulfilling life, all within a supportive environment.