Overview

Introduction

 

Laid back, collegial, and collaborative are words used to describe the culture at Crowell & Moring. The firm actively helps associates shape their careers, either within or beyond the firm. If pro bono is important to you, you’ll be supported here. Crowell & Moring works in a wide range of practices, handling litigation, regulatory, arbitration, and transactional matters for clients of all sizes, from major corporations to startups to private individuals.

Firm Stats

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Total No. Attorneys (2021)

500 - 750
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No. of Partners Named (2021)

9
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Featured Rankings

Vault Law 100
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No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2020)

20
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No. of Summer Associates (2021)

20 total (16 2Ls; 4 1Ls)
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Base Salary

All offices:

Vault Verdict

Crowell & Moring focuses on candidates from regional schools in addition to T14’s, and the firm looks for top grades, diversity, and prior work experience. The culture is laid back and pleasant, and while socializing isn’t a main focus for everyone, opportunities are there for those wanting to hang out after work. Partners actively foster positive relationships with associates. Some associates express a desire for more transparency into bonuses, which include a discretionary component. There is a billable-hours requirement of 2,000 hours, and pro bono hours count toward it. Compensation is just under market—some associates would like to see an increase, but others feel that work-life balance and a positive culture make for a reasonable trade-off. Associates get substantive...

About the Firm

 

Founded 43 years ago, Crowell & Moring has 550 lawyers spread down the east and west coasts, as well as two offices in Europe. The majority of the firm’s lawyers are litigators (two-thirds to be exact), but the firm also has attorneys working in its transactional, regulatory, and investigations practices. The firm also has a mascot—a rubber duck—which is a prime example of the firm’s sense of humor.

Making Noise

When Jones Day tried to oust Eldon “Took” Crowell and his team of government contract lawyers in 1979, he left with a bang, taking with him a group of more than 50 attorneys, or two-thirds of the firm’s Washington attorneys—an event The Washington Post referred to as “The Split.” The new firm specialized in negotiating large...

Vault Top Ranked shield

2022 Vault Rankings

#67

Vault Law 100

#16

Best Law Firms for Pro Bono

#30

Best Law Firms in Washington, DC

Associate Reviews

  • “Firm culture is very positive. The atmosphere is friendly and collaborative. Lawyers and staff treat each other with respect and kindness.”
  • “The firm is very social, but not overly so. I also appreciate the firm's commitment to pro bono work and the fact that nearly all of the attorneys at the firm are nice people.”
  • “I believe I work at a great firm. Socially, we are very laid back. We take our work seriously, but we don't take ourselves too seriously. Hilarious, firmwide emails are sent out regularly and even between offices. Everyone is extremely friendly. Additionally, I believe we are a progressive firm with progressive values. …”
  • “The firm prides itself on being collegial, and you do get the feeling that others are looking out for you and care about your growth and well-being. People value their personal and family time, and so many people do not look for social opportunities after hours. That said, happy hours and firm-sponsored events are available for those who desire it.”

Why Work Here

Diversity at Crowell & Moring

"Crowell & Moring has continued its efforts to make strides in diversity and inclusion, in service of our diverse talent and, in turn, of our clients. In 2019, the firm selected its first Chief Talent and Inclusion Officer, merging recruiting, talent development, and diversity and inclusion and weaving a talent development approach into the firm's strategy for advancing our ongoing diversity and inclusion initiative. We also introduced and continued several programs in 2019, including: Mansfield Rule To supplement our..."
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Getting Hired Here

  • “The firm generally looks for associates who are good fits for the firm/office culture and who are interested in practice areas that the office can support. In order to get an initial interview or a callback, academic credentials are important. However, at the callback stage, a lot of it comes down to fit.”
  • “The firm definitely weighs diversity, personality, and prior work experience heavily. The LA office frequently hires applicants from UCLA and USC, but there aren't really ‘feeder schools.’"
  • “Clerkship and government prior work experience are valued, as are top law schools and diversity. A cheerful, nice personality is also desirable.”

Perks & Benefits