Skadden

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Skadden Mentors

Our Survey Says

 VAULT’S VERDICT:

Skadden recruits associates from T14 and top regional law schools. Candidates are academically accomplished and fit the firm’s culture, which is welcoming, supportive, and collaborative. Coworkers enjoy firm-sponsored or naturally forming social events. Partners respect and value associates, care about associate professional growth, and commit to mentorship. Both senior associate and partner mentors provide feedback and hands-on learning experiences, and associates receive training at orientation and thereafter through live sessions, on-demand videos, and CLEs. Funded social gatherings and mentors help laterals integrate into the firm. The work is complex and meaningful, and associates are given opportunities to interact with clients and to assume responsibility. Skadden’s billable requirement is 1,800 hours, which includes unlimited pro bono hours, 100 firm citizenship hours, and 50 firm recruiting hours. Compensation matches the market, with no additional bonuses for exceeding the billable requirement. Wellness is addressed through free counseling, well-being seminars, and access to gyms (either in-building or through a fitness stipend). A dedicated pro bono team encourages associates to choose from a broad range of fields. Promotion to counsel is realistic, and advancement to equity partner is possible but difficult. Associates report being unsure how the recent introduction of an income partnership will affect advancement opportunities. Departees go in-house or to other firms.