Overview
Introduction
With approximately 350 lawyers across 10 offices—including two international posts—Bracewell LLP is a global firm with a range of practices. But the firm’s Texas roots are still as strong as ever, demonstrated by its strength in energy and four offices within the state. And if there was any doubt about its Southern roots, just ask the associates who rave about the firm’s friendly, hospitable culture.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2022)
No. of Partners Named (2022)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2022)
No. of Summer Associates (2022)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
Texas is known as the “Friendly State,” and associates at Texas-based Bracewell say it more than lives up to that reputation. In fact, the firm’s culture receives praise across the board; associates describe a unique phenomenon called the “Bracewell Boomerang,” which refers to the high number of associates and partners who previously left the firm and then returned. Associates attribute the boomerang effect to the firm’s supportive, team-oriented environment, which they say the firm very carefully cultivates starting with its recruiting process—although hiring is competitive, personality and fit are prioritized as much as credentials. Attorneys socialize regularly both in and outside the office and foster true friendships. Associates report feeling extremely supported by partners,...
About the Firm
With approximately 350 lawyers across 10 offices—including two international posts—Bracewell LLP is a global firm with a range of practices. But the firm’s roots in the Lone Star state are still strong as is demonstrated by its four Texas locations and its strength in oil and gas.
Hailing from Houston
Bracewell started as a glimmer in the eyes of four Houston attorneys (three of whom bore the surname Bracewell) in 1945. J.S. Bracewell, his sons Searcy and Fentress, and Bert H. Tunks established a practice that was quickly associated with Texas movers and shakers—Searcy Bracewell himself was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1947 and Senate in 1949. Harry Patterson joined in 1951 and ascended to name partner in 1966.
From the beginning, the fi...
Associate Reviews
- “Bracewell intentionally recruits lawyers who will get along with each other, and it shows. We're friends inside and outside the office.”
- “The culture is generally extremely collegial and friendly. We regularly have events outside of the office, but not too frequently (once a month or so), as most senior associates and partners have families who they actually spend time with. Generally the firm is extremely team oriented and supportive of each other, both in work and in personal lives. It's just a very friendly, collaborative environment where the ‘no assholes’ policy is all but officially in writing. There's a reason we have so many ‘boomerang’ partners and associates, and it's because after someone leaves, they realize how great it was here. We're very protective of that culture as well.”
- “Great culture here—as a lateral I've been able to slip immediately into social life, happy hours, etc. Everyone has a family, so we're very chill, but there are many opportunities to make work friendships.”
- “We care about what is happening in each other's lives outside the office. We often stop in each other's offices to catch up on things outside of work. Everyone works hard, but they are also respectful of your time outside the office.”
Why Work Here
Bracewell is the ideal place to launch your legal career. Our open and collaborative culture ensures that you have opportunities to work on significant matters and have meaningful interactions with partners and associates from the moment you join.
We look for candidates who have distinguished themselves academically and actively participate in law school. Successful candidates possess a strong work ethic and are self-motivated. Given the firm’s collaborative culture, we value individuals who are team players and want to work together to provide innovative and sophisticated solutions to challenging legal issues.
Getting Hired Here
- “Academically talented candidates with strong interpersonal skills who can work well with clients and other attorneys. Unique interests are welcomed and encouraged.”
- “The firm looks for highly qualified but friendly and personable summer associates who fit into the firm's culture. The firm takes the recruitment and interview process very seriously and engages a wide range of associates and partners in the process.”
- “In the DC office, interest in energy and environmental work is almost a necessity. It touches most of our practices, even litigation and government contracts. [We have] small summer classes and a pretty small office, but it keeps people close.”
- “Bracewell looks for smart, driven candidates who are people oriented and want to work collaboratively. We hire a lot of students from UT, but also other local schools as well as UVA and Duke.”
