Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019-6064
New York, NY 10019-6064
(212) 373-3000
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 (2022)
750 - 1K
No. of Partners Named (2022)
9
Featured Rankings
Vault Law 100
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2022)
116
No. of Summer Associates (2022)
116 total (96 2Ls; 20 1Ls)
Base Salary
All offices
Vault Verdict
Paul, Weiss, a firm teeming with history, is a desirable landing spot for young lawyers seeking quality experience in transactional work and litigation. Like most firms in BigLaw, it hires top students from top law schools, with an emphasis on firm fit. Associates enjoy the warm, casual, and social office atmosphere, and there is mutual respect between attorneys and staff. Specifically, partners are supportive and take an interest in associate training and development on the informal level, though firmwide formal training and mentorship seem to be opportunities for improvement. While there is no stated billable hour requirement at Paul, Weiss, associates report there are expectations of between 2,000-2,500 billable hours per year, with some flexibility on when and where work is co...
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
- “The firm is made up of smart, driven, hardworking people who are kind, social, and engaged with the firm, their clients, and their colleagues.”
- “As we are coming back to the office, there are a lot of social events to connect us, such as lunches for our department, receptions, and other opportunities to connect. There are also mentorship meals that are funded by the firm which are nice ways to connect with colleagues.”
- “The work and the people are amazing; however, those who aren't comfortable with a high-pressure, always give 110%, never take the foot off the gas pedal mentality of work will not thrive at the firm.”
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
JOB OPENINGS AT THIS COMPANY
- “The firm hires the top students from the top schools and conducts a thorough interview process for laterals. Top schooling and top grades are a must, but the firm also places a lot of emphasis on executive presence and personality fit.”
- “Looks for academic students from top law schools (feeder schools include Harvard, Columbia, NYU).”
- “Good grades, business background, good conversation, competent in interviews.”
