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.
1000 Louisiana
Suite 5100
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 651-9366
Managing Partners: Kalpana Srinivasan and Vineet Bhatia
Hiring Partner: Davida Brook and Ryan Caughey
Total No. Attorneys (2022):
150 - 250
No. of Partners Named 2022:
5
Base Salary (2022)
1st year: $215,000
2nd year: $225,000
3rd year: $250,000
4th year: $295,000
5th year: $345,000
6th year: $370,000
7th year: $400,000
8th year: $415,000
Summer Associate: $4,135
Kimberly Young
Attorney Development Manager
(713) 653-7867
Kyoung@susmangodfrey.com
No. of U.S. Offices: 4
No. of International Offices: 0
Houston, TX (HQ)
Los Angeles, CA
New York, NY
Seattle, WA
Antitrust
Arbitration
Bankruptcy
Business Disputes
Class Action Litigation
Employment
Energy & Environmental
General Commercial Litigation
Intellectual Property
Insurance Litigation
Product Liability, Property Damage, & Personal Injury
Qui Tam & False Claims Act
Shareholder & Securities
*See firm website for complete list of practice areas and industries.