Williams & Connolly LLP

Our Survey Says

 VAULT’S VERDICT:

Williams & Connolly is looking for attorneys who want to litigate and has high standards when it comes to recruiting. Many candidates come from clerkships, and top academic credentials are required. This rigorous hiring process clearly pays off, as associates praise an outstanding choose-your-own-adventure culture filled with smart and personable attorneys. Partners are deeply invested in associate development because the firm promotes partners almost exclusively from within the firm, and firm leadership is transparent. Associates describe their hours as high but manageable because they have no billable hour requirement, have the flexibility and technology to work remotely, and have significant autonomy over their workloads, which contribute to their work-life balance. Compensation is excellent for more-junior associates; for senior associates, the realistic prospects and support for making partner arguably offset the below-market compensation. For those who do not seek partnership, the exit opportunities are stellar. New associates can expect substantive work from day one but should be prepared to hit the ground running as formal training is minimal and most learning is done on the job. That being said, both formal and informal mentorship at Williams & Connolly is highly valued. Pro bono is an integral part of working at the firm, and no cap on pro bono hours means that associates do not feel constrained in pro bono billing. Informal support from partners and the Associates’ Committee to prevent burnout are cited as wellness benefits.