Overview
Introduction
Dechert is a global firm, but its collegial culture seems to create a sense of close community. The firm encourages attorneys to participate beyond billables, offering a “STARS” award and bonus for contributions related to teaching, diversity and innovation. It is recognized as well as one of the best law firms for pro bono work, with many accolades and many hours contributed every year.
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
Though it doesn’t employ as many attorneys—1,000—as some of the world’s legal behemoths, Dechert has globalized its commercial practice to 22 locations. Hiring of new associates is not limited to only those from T14 schools, though grades are still an important factor. Moreso, the firm is looking for hard-working, well-rounded team players whose values align with the firm’s. Dechert culture emphasizes collegiality and collaboration, even across practice groups and offices, and attorneys seem to enjoy spending time together in and outside of the office. Partners are accessible and helpful, and take an interest in not only associates’ professional development, but in how they’re doing personally. Integration of lateral hires and clerks has been somewhat hindered by COVID and remote ...
Firm's Response
Dechert has built a global platform across 21 locations with a singular focus – delivering the highest-quality advice that is actionable, commercial and delivered efficiently. Our firm undertakes work for 40 of the “Fortune 100” companies and represents more than 200 private equity and investment firms. We also advise 9 of the top 10 globa...
About the Firm
Since its founding in 1875, Dechert has become a force in the global legal market. In the United States, the firm is known for its work in antitrust, international arbitration, financial services, life sciences, strategic transactions and private equity, litigation, white collar, product liability, real estate, and securities.
Business Savvy
George Tucker Bispham and Wayne MacVeagh partnered together to form MacVeagh & Bispham in 1875. MacVeagh would eventually leave the firm to become U.S. Attorney General and then ambassador to Italy. During World War II, the firm saw many of its attorneys leave to join the war effort. In response, the firm merged with Dechert, Smith and Clark.
In the late 1990s, Dechert began reshaping its business model to become more spec...
2023 Vault Rankings
Associate Reviews
- “The day-to-day atmosphere with colleagues is collegial and friendly, and lawyers and staff interact frequently. The firm provides weekly opportunities for lawyers and staff to connect through firm sponsored events….”
- “We have what feels like a very flat and collegial structure at the firm. The firm sets up regular events (like happy hours) to socialize with others at the office, and attorneys and staff also enjoy socializing beyond those events. It is a very warm and productive environment, made all the better by a very interesting and intellectual group of people.”
- “Dechert has a great culture. Partners, associates, and business services professionals work well together, always have a great attitude, and produce a great atmosphere.”
Why Work Here
Culture at Dechert
It takes a committed, global team to deliver the excellence in service and innovative thinking our clients expect. Cultivating creativity to harness the very best ideas comes from respecting and valuing everyone’s voice, and creating a shared enjoyment in all that we do. At Dechert, we believe that building community within the workplace and with our clients – whether multinational companies or pro bono causes – is the key to success. It’s about building a firm where people are trusted and empowered to do their very best.
Diversity at Dechert
Getting Hired Here
- “We have people from the T14 and the non-T14, and the firm is happy to have both. Practice group matters with regards to competitiveness, but everyone that works here is capable, driven, and professional. I was hired outside of the OCI process, through direct application, and that actually was much easier than the OCI process.”
- “The firm is looking for well-rounded candidates. Law school attended and grades are important. Drive, ambition, and personality are also big factors. Prior work experience is more important for lateral hires and the firm is always looking for quality candidates.”
- “The firm looks for well-rounded, diverse candidates with strong academics who demonstrate a friendly, collegial personality and a strong desire to work collaboratively.”
