Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Robert S. Strauss Tower
2001 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
2001 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 887-4000
Overview
Introduction
900 lawyers strong with a long list of lauded practice areas, there isn’t much at which Akin Gump doesn’t excel. Transparent? Check. Making strides in diversity? You bet. Walking the wellness walk? Absolutely. Social types who are down to earth will fit well at the firm. Akin Gump is a leader in lending a helping hand, with an attorney average of more than 100 hours devoted to pro bono clients per year and over 70% pro bono participation.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2021)
750 - 1K
No. of Partners Named (2021)
5
Featured Rankings
Vault Law 100
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2021)
49
No. of Summer Associates (2022)
108 total (65 2Ls; 43 1Ls)
Base Salary
All offices1st year: $215,000
Vault Verdict
Akin Gump prioritizes academic excellence and a personality that will match the firm’s culture when recruiting prospective candidates, and associates receive training and guidelines on how to conduct the interview process. Evidenced through the firm’s open-door policy, associates value the social and welcoming atmosphere at Akin Gump and the frequency of interactions between attorneys, both in and outside the office. Associates appreciate that the firm doesn’t operate on a rigid hierarchical structure when it comes to attorney/partner relationships and say the firm’s leadership is transparent with respect to the firm’s finances and decision making. The associates find the flexibility to be able to work from home or in the office helps offset the occasional long hours and bel...
About the Firm
Founded in Texas in 1945, Akin Gump has grown to become one of the world’s largest law firms, with more than 900 lawyers across 20 offices around the globe, operating at the intersection of public policy, business, and the law.
From Two to 900+
The Akin Gump story began when former FBI agents Richard Gump and Robert Strauss started up a small legal practice in post-WWII Dallas. Strauss went on to become chair of the Democratic National Committee, chaired Jimmy Carter’s successful presidential campaign in 1976, and worked for both the Carter and George H.W. Bush administrations. Over the past 75 years, the firm has grown from two lawyers to a global powerhouse with more than 900 lawyers.
One-Stop Shop
Akin Gump is a full-s...
2023 Vault Rankings
Associate Reviews
- “The culture is down to earth, and associates are generally friends outside of work as well. Lawyers treat staff with respect and there is a general collegial atmosphere.”
- “The firm is very sociable and happy hours are generally well attended. People here enjoy chatting about their lives outside of work. The environment is very collegial, and it doesn’t feel like there is a strict hierarchy between staff, associates, and partners.”
- “The firm’s culture and atmosphere is friendly and collaborative. People are communicative and regularly express their gratitude for hard work and support for major achievements.”
- “Everyone is genuine and willing to lend a hand. They recognize the steep learning curve for young associates and strive to put you in the best position to succeed. Lunches and firm events have been a great way to connect.”
Why Work Here
Our Firm
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading global law firm providing innovative legal services and business solutions to individuals and institutions. We are one of the world’s largest law firms, with more than 900 lawyers and professionals in 21 offices. Our firm’s clients range from individuals to corporations and foreign governments.
We were founded in Texas in 1945 by Robert Strauss and Richard Gump, with the guiding vision that commitment, excellence and integrity would drive the success of the firm. We incorporated those qualities into the firm’s core values as we grew into an international full-service firm positioned at the intersection of commerce, policy and the law. This dedication to the advancement of these values guides relationships within the firm and, most importantly, with its clients.
Diversity at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
"At Akin Gump our long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion reflects our belief that we all thrive when we bring together people with different perspectives and experiences in an environment where collaboration generates ideas, innovation, and creative solutions. We are also committed to professional development and building sense of community that fosters understanding, respect, and a sense of belonging. Leadership Commitment We are very proud to be one of very few major, global law firms to have a woman,..."
Getting Hired Here
- “We recruit top candidates. The firm considers law school, class rank, and other professional experience. It proactively includes diversity in recruitment, such as a first-year diversity program with externships at client sites. The firm provides written guidance for interviewers.”
- “High academic achievement and well-roundedness. We want someone who wants to be at Akin and wants to be a part of a team. A good attitude goes a long way.”
- “Personality, grades, law school, diversity, and pro bono commitment are all relevant.”
- “Very competitive. Top candidates from top schools, or exemplary candidates from good regional law schools.”
Practice Area Q&A’s
Naomi Moss & Chance Hiner
Partner & Associate
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
