Jenner & Block

353 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654

Phone number: (312) 222-9350

Visit Website: www.jenner.com

Summer Program: Learn More

Overview

Introduction

It’s no surprise that Jenner & Block has such a friendly, down-to-earth culture—the firm is known for its strong commitment to pro bono and public service. Top-notch attorneys come here not just because they want to do good work—they want to do good. Associate development is a priority at the firm with mentorship opportunities abound. Boasting a strong appellate practice, Jenner & Block is a place for driven attorneys to tackle complex legal work.

Firm Stats

Total No. Attorneys (2022)

250 - 500

No. of Partners Named (2022)

Featured Rankings

Vault Law 100

No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2022)

No. of Summer Associates (2022)

56 total (40 2Ls; 9 1Ls; 7 Rising 1Ls – SEO Fellows)

Base Salary

1st year: $215,000

Vault Verdict

Jenner & Block’s hiring process is competitive—the firm searches for diverse candidates with journal and clerkship experience and stellar grades. Casual, jovial, and professional, the firm’s culture is social without an expectation for constant interaction. The firm’s partnership respects the associates and wants them to succeed. There is a high level of transparency around finances and performance reviews, however insight into internal promotion and decision-making could be clearer. The recently lowered billable-hour requirement to 1,950 hours required to receive a bonus has made a positive impact in terms of flexibility and manageability. The firm offers market compensation and bonuses are tied to the billable-hour requirement. Leanly staffed deals allot greater responsi...

About the Firm

From its Windy City roots, Jenner & Block has grown to a firm of more than 500 lawyers in offices in Chicago; London; Los Angeles; New York; San Francisco; and Washington, DC. The client roster is a blend of established corporate institutions—and trendy players in the worlds of business, the arts and entertainment, and technology. The firm is also known for its values, especially its commitment to pro bono.

A Litigation Star Is Born

The firm now known as Jenner & Block was founded in 1914 as Newman, Poppenhusen & Stern by a trio of lawyers with big-name Chicago firm pedigrees. In its early years, the firm advised the city’s banks, mortgage houses, and blue-collar corporations. Once the 1920s roared around, however, the firm took on ...

2023 Vault Rankings

#65

Vault Law 100

#7

Best Law Firms in Chicago

#18

Best Law Firms for Appellate Litigation

Associate Reviews

“The overall culture is a kind one. Lawyers socialize in the office, and we have weekly happy hours and lunches, but other than that people understand that we each have our own lives and we aren't expected to live our lives around firm social activities.”
“The firm has a welcoming culture. Management calls attention to the hard work, milestones, and achievements of attorneys and support staff alike. While COVID restrictions have impacted the ability to host social events, associates and managing partners have been open to meeting for coffee, lunch, happy hours, or meeting virtually.”
“Jenner attorneys are truly nice people. I think that working at a firm with such a strong reputation for pro bono really attracts a certain type of person. Supervising attorneys are nice people and are understanding of my time constraints.”
“Since the pandemic, we've connected professionally, and sometimes socially, via Zoom calls. The day-to-day is work heavy with meetings and social check-ins scheduled here and there. Lawyers and staff interact well, and staff are an integral part of our case teams.”

Why Work Here

Jenner & Block is known for its ability to secure major litigation victories for clients from the trial level through appeal in jurisdictions around the world; for its sophisticated corporate transactional practice; and for its unyielding commitment to public service. Clients from around the world trust Jenner & Block with their most complex and challenging matters.

Our mission is to exceed our clients’ expectations every day by providing the highest caliber legal counsel and advice; to contribute to the legal profession; to maintain our long tradition of public and community service; and to provide an unrivaled environment for superior talent. Located in Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC, our more than 500 lawyers offer substantial experience across a broad range of legal areas. Throughout our more than a century of service, we have grown because of our dedication and unwavering commitment to our clients, to the bar, to our people and to public service. Leading independent outlets have recognized us as an elite law firm and among the top-tier firms most committed to pro bono service throughout the profession.

Diversity at Jenner & Block

"Jenner & Block is committed to hiring and promoting a diverse workforce. Our goal is to recruit the best lawyers and provide an atmosphere that will allow each lawyer the opportunity to succeed and achieve their fullest potential. To accomplish this, we hire and develop lawyers without reference to race, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Our actions reflect our deep-seated commitment to equality and social justice, as well as our belief that diverse teams arrive at better and more..."

Read the Diversity Report

Getting Hired Here

“The firm places greater emphasis on the ranking of the law school attended, as well as prior clerkship experience. The firm also values journal experience and various other activities, such as moot court or mock trial. The school recruits heavily from the T10 law schools.”
“We are looking for diverse candidates that are committed to excellence for clients. The firm does hire from a few feeder schools but has recently branched out to more schools. The firm offers training and guidance for those that are interviewing.”
“We're a very competitive firm and because our offices are relatively small, we're able to be really picky. Almost all candidates come from top-14 law schools, a majority from the top 5-6, and more than half of the associates also have clerkships. But everyone is fully considered. We're looking for candidates who fit our culture. People who are bright and capable, but also nice humans, friendly to work with, with their own hobbies and interests outside of work.”
“We only hire from a handful of schools, so it's rather competitive, although we have hired from other schools when the candidates stood out.”