Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP is looking for high performers from law schools near its headquarters in Kansas City as well as near its other offices around the U.S. Pre-pandemic, attorneys socialized often at firm-sponsored events and in their free time, with a generally collegial culture in the office. Associates feel respected by individual partners but note a distinct lack of transparency from firm management on matters like associate compensation and firm decision making. The billable-hour requirement is 2,000 per year, with up to 50 hours of pro bono credit counted toward that total. Associates are given interesting, substantive work, with opportunities for business development as well. Associate salaries are not consistent across offices, and compensation does not match the Cravath scale, but the firm does offer unique benefits—such as a pension plan—that makes up the difference for many associates. Shook offers formal training opportunities like its Trial Practice Program and weekly CLE-style classes, as well as a formal mentoring program, and associates value informal mentoring opportunities developed by working on cases or building relationships within practice groups. While not groundbreaking, the firm’s technology is good, with 24/7 IT specialists available. Associates feel that taking charge of their own wellness is encouraged. Those who wish to make partner have a realistic chance, and counsel roles are available for those who wish to stay with the firm but not shoot for partner; in-house roles with clients are also viable career moves for Shook attorneys. The firm has worked to improve diversity in hiring as well as increase the number of leadership roles held by female attorneys, and it recently started diversity resource groups for its employees.