2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER WilmerHale

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

At WilmerHale, attorneys can expect strong associate/partner relationships, top compensation, and colleagues dedicated to pro bono work. Most associates come from T14 and regional schools. Academic achievement is required and prior work experience is common among successful candidates. Coworkers are kind, professional, and respectful of each other’s personal lives. Partners are reasonable and look to associates for case input and strategy ideas and are generous with their time and feedback. Associates learn through their interactions with partners, as well as through assigned mentors and extensive formal training programs. WilmerHale has an efficient integration protocol so that lateral hires are onboarded painlessly. Associate can expect high-quality work assignments and, regularly, face time with clients. Practice managers balance and distribute projects effectively. The firm’s 2,000-hour billable requirement is considered reasonable or high. Associates acknowledge a seemingly conscious effort to avoid late evening and weekend work. Compensation matches the market, with opportunities to earn sizable bonuses based on hours and merit. Overall, the technology needs attention, as WilmerHale associates are disenchanted with problems they have with their laptops. Wellness efforts seem fairly basic, but associates appreciate the firm’s offerings. Attorneys truly value the firm’s history of and commitment to pro bono work, the hours for which are uncapped and count toward the billable requirement. Diversity efforts in terms of affinity groups, programs, recruiting, and a supportive environment receive high marks. Regarding career prospects, promotion to equity partner is difficult and rare, but counsel positions are attainable, and attorneys frequently go in-house or to the government.