Simpson Thacher

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Associates at Simpson Thacher frequently invoke the word “collegial” when discussing their firm’s culture. Senior associates and partners are approachable and willing to help junior attorneys with a variety of questions, and partners go out of their way to solicit associate feedback through committees and make themselves available through an office hour rotation. Partners also connect with associates through formal mentoring programs, as well as informal mentoring lunches and coffees supported with a dedicated budget. Associates interact at firm-sponsored social events and over lunch together. A central staffing system ensures that assignments are evenly distributed across associates, and associates have coverage for assignments whenever they take a full week’s vacation, which the firm encourages them to take. The firm does not have a billable hour requirement to earn a bonus, which associates say incentivizes senior attorneys to delegate work to junior associates, including stretch assignments to those who are ready. Compensation is top of the market, tending to match other firms’ increases, and associates enjoy a variety of perks, such as a tech stipend for hybrid work, a gym membership stipend, and access to coaching and therapy. Making equity partner is realistic for those who want it, and the firm also offers non-equity partner and counselor roles. Its exit opportunities are robust, with associates securing roles in boutique firms, corporations, or the government.