Susman Godfrey

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Despite its small size—in terms of both number of offices and attorneys—Susman Godfrey is a heavyweight litigation outfit and one of the best in the county. As such, hiring is extremely competitive and selective. If you didn’t clerk for a federal judge and earn impeccable grades at an elite law school, you likely won’t get a second look. Besides having an affinity for trial work, candidates should be go-getters and entrepreneurial. Susman attorneys work well together, and this creates a cordial and familial work environment. Collaboration is key not only in work product, but also in sharing firm financial information and determining fee structures for particular cases. Associates are treated like partners. While formal training is nearly non-existent, Susman associates learn by doing. New attorneys assume responsibility for substantive work immediately, and partners are approachable and go out of their way to help them. Associates work a lot of hours, but enjoy significant flexibility in how the work is completed. There is no billable hour requirement because attorneys are likely to exceed the industry standard. However, this makes it difficult to take advantage of the unlimited PTO and vacation. For the work they do, Susman associates are paid extremely well—typically above market for salary and bonuses. Firm technology is satisfactory, but wellness efforts are not. It’s difficult for attorneys to take time for themselves away from work. Similarly, there’s little to no time for associates to engage in pro bono work. On diversity recruitment and retention, Susman has made good strides. Career prospects for associates making partner at Susman are exceptional, and they have top-notch litigation experience if they want to leave for another firm.