Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Hiring at Wachtell Lipton is a rigorous process that focuses on students with top academic credentials primarily from T6 schools. Coworkers are pleasant, professional, and driven. Associates enjoy strong relationships with partners, who are generous with their gratitude and feedback, and the firm is not particularly hierarchical. Hands-on training and guidance outshine the firm’s formal training. Lateral hires are effectively onboarded and welcomed, and all associates receive complex and varied work assignments. Associates are expected to push themselves and take on responsibilities that will contribute to their professional growth. Although there is no billable hour requirement, associates work plenty of hours, and the firm’s in-office requirement limits flexibility. Attorneys can bring pro bono matters into the firm if they can find time for them. Compensation is lockstep and well above the market, which associates feel is how the firm shows its appreciation for their long hours. Technology is not cutting-edge, but it is efficient and does not hinder work. The IT team is responsive and supportive. Wellness benefits include gym memberships and workout groups. It is difficult to make partner at Wachtell, but the experience gained at the firm leads to exceptional external opportunities.

FIRM'S PERSPECTIVE

Wachtell Lipton was founded on a handshake in 1965 as a small group of lawyers dedicated to providing advice and expertise at the highest levels. We have achieved extraordinary results following the distinctive vision of our founders — a cohesive team of lawyers intensely focused on solving our clients’ most important problems.

We have experience in the fields of mergers and acquisitions, strategic investments, takeovers and takeover defense, shareholder activism, corporate and securities law and corporate governance. We handle some of the largest, most complex and demanding transactions in the United States and around the world. We counsel both public and private acquirors and targets. We handle sensitive investigation and litigation matters and corporate restructurings, and counsel boards of directors and senior management in critical situations. We have a track record of original and groundbreaking solutions and innovations that have had a dramatic impact on business and law. We are thought leaders.

Our distinctive structure defines our approach. We maintain a ratio of associates to partners significantly below that of other firms. We focus on matters that require the attention, extensive experience and sophistication of our partners. We limit the number and type of matters we undertake. Our system of lock-step compensation promotes a careful selection of matters as well as the flexibility to bring the right expertise to bear without regard to factors extrinsic to providing the best service and advice. We work together on a task-force basis on all of our matters, bringing to bear the requisite mix of people and expertise across practice areas. Our structure and approach attracts talented and entrepreneurial lawyers, who enable us to achieve excellent results for our clients in complex and critical matters.