Finnegan
901 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 408-4000
Overview
Introduction
Top-ranked for intellectual property, Finnegan is well known for its work in patent law—and its team of professionals has quite the impressive array of tech experience in addition to legal prowess. The firm is also known for its pro bono work supporting veterans. Finnegan takes training seriously, with extensive formal programming combined with an emphasis on mentoring. If you're seeking a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere, you will feel at home here.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2021)
250 - 500
No. of Partners Named (2021)
6
Featured Rankings
Best Law Firms for LGBTQ+ Individuals
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2022)
17
No. of Summer Associates (2022)
24 total (17 2Ls; 7 1Ls)
Base Salary
1st year: $215,000
Vault Verdict
Candidates hoping to land a spot at Finnegan should be ready to discuss their interest in IP and their tech background. The firm recruits from a variety of schools but seeks top grades. Finnegan’s culture is friendly and supportive, and prior to the pandemic, associates socialized pretty frequently. Training is robust, ranging from lawyering skills to writing to business development, and associates receive both peer advisors and partner advisors. There is a sense that partners truly care for associates, and there is an open-door atmosphere when it comes to associate questions. Work is challenging, and partners are open to giving associates new types of opportunities. Hours can be intense and, at times, they can ebb and flow. But associates are grateful they have flexibility to sha...
Firm's Response
Finnegan values individuals who are smart, hardworking, self-motivated, mature, intellectually curious, and committed to excelling in intellectual property law. Our firm is committed to promoting and strengthening a diverse workplace. We promot...
About the Firm
Finnegan is synonymous with intellectual property—a true full-service IP firm with experts in every industry and technology. Considered one of the world’s top intellectual property law firms, Finnegan employs more than 700 people, including nearly 350 IP professionals, of which more than 65 professionals have PhDs, befitting its role as an IP giant.
IP Vision
Marc Finnegan and Douglas Henderson teamed up in 1965 to open a shop in Washington, DC, that practiced only intellectual property law. The firm’s focus has not changed, although its scope has expanded to cover virtually every aspect of patent, trademark, and copyright law, including counseling, prosecution, licensing, portfolio management and litigation. Finnegan also represents clients in IP issues relating to advertising, ...
Associate Reviews
- “Great culture—friendly, supportive, and fun. Pre-COVID, we had regular informal lunches and happy hours, as well as regular sponsored happy hours.”
- “Attorneys at Finnegan support each other. I have developed good friendships with many of my colleagues.”
- “Finnegan is full of incredibly nice people that are happy to take the time to get to know their colleagues. Many people at Finnegan—both attorneys and staff—have spent their entire career there, which makes for deep professional and personal relationships. It is a wonderful place to work.”
- “Relaxed, friendly, and team-oriented atmosphere. Lots of social events during non-pandemic times. Open-door policy and easy to stop by and ask questions to anyone.”
Diversity at Finnegan
"Finnegan Diversity and Inclusion Vision Statement: At Finnegan, we value diversity and are committed to creating and sustaining a culture that promotes inclusion in our interaction with each other and throughout our practice. We recognize that diversity is a key element of our relationships with clients and that it is consistent with our commitment to providing the highest quality legal services for them. We respect and embrace all differences based on culture, nationality, ethnicity, age, gender, physical ability, race,..."
Getting Hired Here
JOB OPENINGS AT THIS COMPANY
- “Interest in IP (particularly, patents) is a must.”
- “The firm cares about technical experience and law school performance rather than law school prestige.”
- “They want people with solid tech backgrounds and great law school grades, but just as important is your ability to fit in socially!”
Practice Area Q&A’s
Kara A. Specht & Cecilia Sanabria
Partner & Partner—Intellectual Property
Finnegan
Arpita Bhattacharyya & John Livingstone
Partner & Managing Partner
Finnegan
