Overview
Introduction
Buckley focuses on financial services, government enforcement, and litigation. The firm’s client roster includes 26 of the largest consumer banks in the U.S., yet associates enjoy work-life balance with a relatively low billable-hour requirement.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2021)
100 - 150
No. of Partners Named (2021)
5
Featured Rankings
Top 150 Under 150
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2020)
2
No. of Summer Associates (2021)
6 total (3 2Ls; 3 1Ls)
Base Salary
1st year (2021 class year): $191,350 + estimated $11,150 Profit...
Vault Verdict
For candidates considering Buckley, experience or interest in the financial services industry will go a long way, as well as a genuine interest in working for the firm. But there is no one factor that will put you ahead of others—the firm considers each candidate as a whole and is interested in finding those who will fit with the firm’s culture. Boasting a manageable 1800-billable-hours requirement, the firm supports flexible working. While compensation is below market, associates are generally pleased with their bonuses—which are sometimes awarded more than once in a year—and the 401(k) contributions. Some note that the bonus requirements are unclear, however. Most partners are respectful and available for mentoring, although some are more difficult than others. Partnership...
About the Firm
Buckley is known for its prowess in the financial services sector and has also gained prominence for its litigation and enforcement practices. The firm represents an impressive roster of “front page companies”— the likes of Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citigroup, and JPMorgan Chase, to name a few.
Chasing the Dream
Buckley was founded in early 2009 when Skadden partners Andy Sandler and Ben Klubes, along with a group of other financial services litigation and enforcement attorneys, decided to leave the world of BigLaw to join forces with the highly regarded financial services regulatory firm Buckley Kolar, which of itself was formed by former Goodwin Procter lawyers five years earlier. Buckley opened in March 2009 with about 40 lawyers and has grown to more than 125 lawyers today...
Associate Reviews
- “The firm's culture is sociable yet professional. For example, I don't know many, if any, associates who would feel dissuaded from walking into a partner's office if they have a question or need guidance. The firm organizes weekly social opportunities to foster a collegial atmosphere, which appears successful by all accounts. The firm is very ‘it is what you make of it,’ a quality I greatly appreciate.”
- “There are sporadic firm-organized social opportunities as well as informal get-togethers organized by attorneys. People are friendly and respectful of your time and personal life.”
- “I thoroughly enjoy everyone I work with. Everyone seems comfortable with each other, and there is an effort among younger associates to get together socially outside of work. The firm makes an effort to introduce new employees to everyone. I feel like I have been mentored by all levels of individuals at the firm (senior associates, counsel, partners). There is also a clear effort to respect work/life balance.”
- “The firm is cliquish. If you don't fit the mold, you get overlooked for opportunities regardless of whether you exhibit competence.”
Diversity at Buckley LLP
"Buckley is strongly committed to diversity. The firm's commitment is rooted in the belief that each individual's unique background contributes a distinct and valuable perspective in our working environment, enriching the day-to-day experience of our professionals, and enabling us to better serve our clients. Buckley strives to ensure broad-based diversity within the firm by focusing on recruiting, retaining, and promoting professionals with diverse backgrounds including, but not limited to, diversity of race, ethnicity, age, gender, gender..."
Getting Hired Here
- “The firm is looking for the ‘whole package,’ with no one specific factor being dispositive. There is emphasis on cultural fit and interest in the firm.”
- “Prior work experience, intelligence, interest in financial services law, and grades appear to play substantial roles in hiring. The firm seems to value interest and ability above all.”
- “Prior work/internship experience at financial regulators or financial services companies seems to be the most important factor.”
