Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019-6064
New York, NY 10019-6064
Phone number: (212) 373-3000
Visit Website: www.paulweiss.com
Overview
Introduction
Vocal on civil rights and social justice, Paul Weiss attracts progressive types who value the firm’s high-profile pro bono work and its internal dedication to diversity and inclusion. The firm is a litigation all-star and also boasts a stand-out corporate practice. The firm is also known for its expertise in telecom and entertainment law. Today, the firm is active in racial justice efforts and assistance for those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as in immigrant rights, reproductive rights, and voter protection...
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2021)
1K - 1.5K
No. of Partners Named (2021)
7
Featured Rankings
Vault Law 100
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2020)
113
No. of Summer Associates (2021)
129 (117 2Ls; 12 1Ls)
Base Salary
All offices
Vault Verdict
Paul, Weiss has a progressive culture and isn’t shy about standing up for equality—something that has long been part of the firm’s DNA. The firm is especially committed to its pro bono work and takes on high-profile matters, from voting rights to reproductive rights, and so much more. Lawyers are friendly and enjoy socializing, especially in pre-pandemic times at the weekly Wine and Cheese event, but some feel there isn’t the same level of socialization during the pandemic. Associates have noticed some improvements in terms of transparency lately, including regular town halls, but some still feel in the dark on decision-making, especially regarding promotion. Hours have been particularly demanding lately, but even so, many associates are happy the firm doesn’t have a billable requ...
About the Firm
For decades, Paul, Weiss has valiantly defended the coffers and reputations of some of the world’s largest financial institutions and companies. Though perhaps best recognized for its courtroom dazzle, the firm’s prolific corporate and restructuring departments more than hold their own. The firm is also known for its expertise in telecom and entertainment law.
Groundbreaking Start
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison dates to pre-WWI New York, where Samuel William Weiss and partners opened a practice to handle commercial law matters for other members of the local Jewish business community. Back then, Jewish attorneys struggled to find acceptance in Gentile firms. Weiss’ son Louis took a different approach and went into business with Columbia Law cla...
Associate Reviews
- “Socially progressive, thoughtful, and genuine. We used to have a cocktail event every Friday night for socializing but that paused due to the pandemic. Now, we have semi-regular ‘circle’ events, where we meet in circles of about 20 people each for planned social events that take place over Zoom.”
- “Socially and politically, the firm is very, very progressive and takes its ideals seriously. The impact pro bono projects the firm invests in are some of its lawyer's top priorities.”
- “Impossible to say during COVID because we are still fully remote. There are sporadic efforts to be social but it is a huge step down from in-person over the summer where the social interaction was a real highlight. People are still friendly and helpful, but we are all much more isolated.”
- “If you don't count the pandemic, I think the firm's culture is great—I can't imagine it being better somewhere else. There was a weekly Friday cocktail hour that a lot of people (especially first years) went to. Paul, Weiss is definitely a little traditional/buttoned up in certain ways (when compared to other, smaller firms), but compared to its peers, the culture (especially the liberal bent of most people) is a defining, positive feature in my mind.”
Diversity at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
"Most big law firms profess a devotion to diversity. Paul, Weiss has a history of putting it into practice. In 1927, when Louis Weiss and John Wharton merged their small firm with the firm that Louis's father had founded, they did so with the then-exceptional policy of bucking the prevailing system in which Jews and Gentiles did not mingle in practice or in clientele. In the same year, Paul, Weiss hired William T. Coleman, top-of-his class African-American graduate of Harvard Law School and former Supreme Court clerk, at a time when no..."
Getting Hired Here
- “Hard working, personable individuals who are comfortable with learning and feedback in a fast-paced environment.”
- “You need high grades from a good school to be hired.”
- “The firm's hiring process is competitive and has recently started to focus on ensuring more people of color are hired, including by interviewing at HBCU law schools.”
- “Feeder schools are Harvard, Yale, Columbia and NYU. Grades are most important in getting a call back.”
Perks & Benefits
