Overview
Introduction
Reed Smith is the perfect fit for associates who want to take on challenging legal work in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Partners here are active mentors, and on-the-job training is supplemented with courses through Reed Smith University. The social sphere surpasses borders at Reed Smith where associates can work alongside attorneys in any one of its 13 international offices or 17 domestic offices. Reed Smith doesn’t shy away from taking on the responsibility of advising some of the largest companies in the world.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2022)
1.5K - 2K
No. of Partners Named (2022)
81
Featured Rankings
Vault Law 100
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2022)
58
No. of Summer Associates (2022)
57 total (49 2Ls; 8 1Ls)
Base Salary
1st year: $215,000
Vault Verdict
Beyond the general markers of academic success, Reed Smith also prioritizes recruiting diverse candidates with a down-to-earth personality. Described as a laid-back and warm environment, the firm’s social culture includes cross-office collaboration and frequent social interactions amongst associates. Communication between associates and partners are founded on respect. Partners take a genuine interest in their growth and development and view them as a valuable part of the team. Attorneys work hard to ensure work is equitably distributed and affords associates flexibility and reasonable timelines. Associates believe compensation is generous. The firm implements a two-tiered compensation system where hitting the 2,000 billable-hour requirement results in market compensation and uses...
About the Firm
A Pittsburgh native long intertwined with the city’s industrial kingpins, Reed Smith joined the crowd in globalizing via international mergers in the 21st century. With litigation at the forefront, the firm’s practice strengths also include cross-border transactional and regulatory work.
Steel City Origins
Reed Smith LLP’s rise to prominence can be at least partly credited to a symbiotic relationship with an American industrial tycoon. Attorney James Reed, who founded the firm in Pittsburgh with Philander Knox in 1877, cultivated strong ties with the man most singularly responsible for giving Steel City its blue-collar identity: Andrew Carnegie. In addition to leading the firm’s representation of Carnegie at the peak of his empire-building, Reed served as a charter director of Carnegie...
2023 Vault Rankings
Associate Reviews
- “Everyone I interact with is very pleasant and respectful. The partners that I work often with are concerned with my overall well-being and development as a lawyer.”
- “The firm has been extremely welcoming both personally and professionally. I came in having not summered at the firm and have been treated very well. The office has a friendly atmosphere, and lawyers and staff interact with the ultimate goal of servicing the client and not servicing themselves.”
- “The firm is collegial without overdoing it. The associates are bright, hardworking, and kind. COVID has made socialization in person difficult, but I believe that there will be an increase in social activity outside of the office once we return. I find the relationship with the staff I work with extremely positive.”
- “All of the attorneys whom I've worked with so far have been very personable, reasonable in setting up expectations for my work product, and responsive in answering my questions and giving feedback where needed.”
Diversity at Reed Smith LLP
"Our mission is focused on the recruitment, retention, and professional development of diverse talent. We are dedicated to and focused on creating a culture of inclusion that extends to all our personnel and our clients. Diversity, inclusion and equity are embedded in all that we do - they're part of our DNA. We support diverse law students by providing the tools and opportunities to succeed in law school and in the legal profession through various diverse summer associate programs and scholarships. We also partner with clients..."
Getting Hired Here
- “Beyond the general markers of academic and professional success, it appears that the firm is interested in hiring people who are personable and would make a good team member as well as a good attorney. I appreciate that emphasis, as I believe it has contributed to the fact that I genuinely enjoy working with and getting to know the attorneys at the firm.”
- “The firm considers grades for new associates. For lateral associates, the firm considers experience and overall fit. We did not receive much guidance for interviewing candidates.”
- “Over the years I've been at Reed Smith, they have refined their hiring process and compensation to focus on higher-end talent. This effort appears to be part of a larger effort to keep moving up in the global rankings and increase profitability over time.”
- “The firm does like to focus on top-tier schools and candidates with good grades. It is hard to lateral from a small firm, but completely doable from a mid-size firm.”
