Skadden

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Our Survey Says

 VAULT’S VERDICT:

If you want to work at Skadden, excellent grades and law school prestige aren’t the only attributes the firm is looking for—Skadden wants good people who would make good colleagues and uses the hiring process to find candidates that are a good fit. The firm’s culture is heavy on socialization, with many firm-sponsored events, including a weekly happy hour and an all-attorney lunch. Partners at Skadden are transparent about firm performance and finances, though associates would appreciate more insight into the decision-making process behind promotions and firm policies. Associates feel supported by most partners and tout senior attorneys who take the time to teach young associates the ropes and report that their work is substantive—often above their level—and adds value to their teams. While promotion to partnership is not in the cards for most, associates know that working at the firm will set them up for excellent exit opportunities in-house, with the government, or with other firms. Associates appreciate their market salaries and bonuses and note the firm’s top-notch perks—covering mental and physical health, concierge services, and financial well-being—but also say the firm’s technology could use improvement. The firm has a reasonable 1,800 billable hour requirement and allows all pro bono hours to be counted as billable. Associates think diversity efforts are strong with recruitment, affinity programs, and billable credit, but would like to see more retention, support, and promotion of diverse associates.