Williams & Connolly LLP

Our Survey Says

 VAULT’S VERDICT:

With a single office in DC, Williams & Connolly is a litigation juggernaut where associates work and experience matters on a large scale with high compensation. Successful candidates have top grades from top law schools, law review experience, and a federal clerkship or two. Work settings are professional but friendly, and coworkers are supportive and enjoy at-work socializing. The number of social events after hours is limited. Partners appreciate associates and are dedicated to their professional growth. Associates learn by doing early in their careers, but there is plenty of guidance from partners and senior associates. Formal training offered by the firm is minimal and could be more comprehensive. Because most new hires come from clerkships, the onboarding process for clerks is the norm and is effective. Given the extent of on-the-job learning and number of lean teams, associate work assignments are challenging and impactful. High-quality work is evenly distributed, though associates can seek certain projects as well. There’s enough work to go around so that associates work a lot of hours, even though Williams & Connolly does not set a billable hour threshold. Salaries significantly exceed the going market rate and more than make up for the absence of bonuses. A helpful IT staff supports firm technology that is otherwise mediocre, and wellness efforts seem fairly standard for BigLaw. Uncapped pro bono hours give associates real, stand-up experiences and are wholly endorsed by the firm. Affinity groups, assigned mentors, programming, and recruiting are clear DEI efforts, though the partnership is still largely homogeneous. Partnership prospects seem better than at most firms, as the firm mainly promotes from within. Experiences gained at the firm create attractive exit opportunities.