Susman Godfrey

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Federal clerkship experience, strong interest in plaintiff-side trial work, and an excellent academic record from a top school are essential to Susman Godfrey’s recruitment process. The firm hires with the intention that every associate will make partner following its six-year track. Associates describe the culture at Susman Godfrey as upbeat, egalitarian, and work-hard play-hard. The firm hosts events, including retreats to luxury destinations, and attorneys and staff socialize organically. Working closely with associates on lean teams, partners serve as both formal and informal mentors, and most understand the job’s demands because they also started at the firm as associates. Learning is acquired on the job, with little formal training offered. A central assignment system is used to delegate tasks that encourage associate development. First-year associates take depositions, handle client contact with limited supervision, and receive billable hours credit to shadow their more experienced colleagues. Associates typically receive stand-up trial experience. Susman Godfrey does not impose a billable hours requirement, which associates say is not needed because of the abundance of work. The firms expects associates to bill at least 220 hours per month and mandates a three-day in-office policy. Base salaries at Susman Godfrey are market, and bonuses are above-market for associates who bill over the median number of hours. The firm offers a mega backdoor Roth, a profit-sharing contribution to a 401(k), and extensive parental leave.