Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Wachtell Lipton looks for candidates from T14 schools with outstanding grades. Substantive legal questions are asked during interviews, and hires show intellectual curiosity and humility, indicating that they will fit into the firm’s close-knit, moderately social culture. Attorneys work in-office five days per week, where they enjoy free meals in the attorney dining room. The ratio of partners to associates is low; therefore, associates often work with partners one-on-one, taking meaningful assignments and interacting with clients early. Partners serve as willing mentors to associates, who are also assigned an associate mentor and receive formal training during orientation. The firm does not have a billable hours requirement, and the lockstep compensation is top-of-market. Bonuses are exceptional. The firm provides the newest iPads and iPhones, and IT help is available 24/7. Some associates express a desire for greater transparency regarding the partnership track, but more information is communicated as seniority increases, and making partner is reported to be realistic for those who stay for at least eight years. For others, exit opportunities abound, with options for partnership at other elite firms, senior government positions, or in-house roles. Notable perks include a monthly gym reimbursement, free car service for those working late nights at the office, and wellness apps.

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.