2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Wachtell Lipton stands out from the BigLaw crowd in many ways, including in its reputation, the prestige of its work, and how it still maintains only one office, which happens to be in NYC. Hiring focuses on candidates with top grades from top law schools who are hard workers and self-starters. Collegiality, closeness, and camaraderie rule the day when it comes to the office culture, and associates enjoy good relationships with partners and staff. Specifically, associates and partners work well together, with partners seeking associate input and feedback. Wachtell Lipton offers strong training opportunities in the form of resources and support staff, though the best learning comes on the job. And associates are able to do and learn a lot since they are given substantive work early on and are expected to be high performers. While the firm does not impose a billable hour requirement, associates work a lot of hours and likely would exceed any threshold the firm might set. Compensation is top notch, and associates appreciate the collaboration fostered by it being lockstep. The firm offers a number of wellness programs, and as a firm, is committed to pro bono, though some associates find it challenging to add significant pro bono work to an already full plate.. Internal career prospects for making partner or becoming counsel are good, and there are plenty of exceptional opportunities to go to other firms, to hedge funds, or in-house.