Overview
Introduction
Talk about history—Foley & Lardner was founded in Wisconsin while it was still a territory and not yet a state. From humble beginnings in Milwaukee in 1842 to substantial growth in the last 50 years, Foley has become a 25-office, 1,100-attorney force in the legal world. It’s known for work in the areas of intellectual property, corporate law, and litigation—especially as they relate to the energy, health care and life sciences, innovative technology, and manufacturing sectors.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2022)
1K - 1.5K
No. of Partners Named (2021)
19
Featured Rankings
Vault Law 100
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2021)
54
No. of Summer Associates (2022)
97 total (77 2Ls; 20 1Ls)
Base Salary
1st year: $202,500
Vault Verdict
With domestic offices in unique locations like Jacksonville, FL, Madison, WI, and Salt Lake City, UT, Foley & Lardner has a strong reputation as a preeminent worldwide law firm. Recruiters consider the usual criteria for new associates—grades, journal membership, etc.—and look at top schools that are geographically close to particular offices. Once at Foley, associates enjoy an inclusive, supportive environment in which people enjoy spending time with each other. Partners value associates and their work, seek their input on projects, and seem patient as associates learn the ropes. Lateral hires appreciate being assigned a transition coordinator to assist with the integration process. Foley offers decent formal training, and associates further learn from both partner and se...
About the Firm
While Foley & Lardner handles a wide range of business matters, the majority of the firm’s major clients come from the automotive, energy, healthcare, life sciences, and technology fields. With an excellent healthcare practice and a client roster boasting such corporate staples as Harley-Davidson and Hewlett-Packard, Milwaukee’s best has grown into an international operation while maintaining local allegiances.
Milwaukee Couldn’t Hold ‘Em
Foley & Lardner was founded in 1842 in Milwaukee, when Asahel Finch and William Pitt Lynde opened shop before the lakeside city had even paved its roads. More than a century passed before the firm established a presence outside Wisconsin, creating a DC branch as it became the first Badger State firm to establish an office in another state. From the lat...
2023 Vault Rankings
Associate Reviews
- “Atmosphere is great, probably the best part about the job. I feel very supported by the attorneys in my local office and across the firm. Staff is also wonderful. We've had great holiday parties, lunches, and dinners.”
- “There is great camaraderie among the associates in my office, and plenty of social opportunities. It is an inclusive environment and I do not feel like the office is at all ‘cliquey.’ Firm-sponsored social events are well-attended and valued.”
- “Great social dynamics—people genuinely like each other and spend time together outside of working hours!”
Diversity at Foley & Lardner LLP
"At Foley & Lardner, we encourage attorneys and professional staff to appreciate the values of inclusion, belonging, and diversity, and to take action to improve how we relate to each other and the opportunities we can create for everyone. The talents and perspectives of a diverse team help Foley better understand the global marketplace, deliver innovative and quality legal solutions, and foster a vibrant and fulfilling professional environment for all employees. Diversity and inclusion is woven into the fabric of the firm and is manifested..."
Getting Hired Here
JOB OPENINGS AT THIS COMPANY
- “The firm mostly uses OCI to hire associates. They consider class rank, law review, moot court/mock trial, and school attended….”
- “I would say we are pretty competitive but it is more about the right fit and not necessarily credentials (to a certain extent). Generally, all of our applicants being interviewed have met some level of educational success (top 10-15%, law review, etc.) and I have not seen a preference within those parameters (i.e., prefer someone in one law review versus another). That said, we really look at how one will fit into our culture and how they will connect with our clients. We do have a set of general guidelines for proper interview techniques and questions.”
- “Looking at the first-year associates in the state, three of us were magna from the top law school in the state and there are multiple T14s as well. There are more women than men, and multiple racial minorities as well.”
