Skadden

One Manhattan West
New York, NY 10001-8602

Phone number: (212) 735-3000

Summer Program: Learn More

Overview

Introduction

From M&A to Tax, Skadden is a legal powerhouse and mainstay among the most prestigious firms in Vault’s Top 100 ranking. Skadden lawyers are a social bunch who value teamwork and mentorship, while also diving headfirst into complex matters. Skadden is one of the most profitable and well-known law firms in the world. It was the first law firm to report $1 billion in annual revenue—now an industry brass ring. While the firm may be best known for its M&A prowess, it is an all-star across practice areas, boasting an ar...

Firm Stats

Total No. Attorneys (2021)

1.5K - 2K

No. of Partners Named (2021)

Featured Rankings

Vault Law 100

No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2020)

166

No. of Summer Associates (2021)

213 total (175 2Ls; 38 1Ls)

Base Salary

All offices

Vault Verdict

Seeking the very best candidates, Skadden has a competitive hiring process that focuses on finding well-rounded candidates who are confident and high achieving and also collaborative and respectful. The firm has implemented a more structured interview process, including more behavioral questions, to combat implicit bias. Skadden is a social place where lawyers enjoy spending time with each other both during and after work hours, and even throughout the pandemic, the firm has maintained these social connections through virtual events. Associate development is a priority at the firm, and associates feel supported by the partnership—opportunities for mentorship abound. The firm also offers an entry-level training program called ACE and provides new associates with a partner and senio...

About the Firm

Skadden is one of the most profitable and well-known law firms in the world. It was the first law firm to report $1 billion in annual revenue—now an industry brass ring. While the firm may be best known for its M&A prowess, it is an all-star across practice areas, boasting an army of about 1,700 lawyers around the globe.

If the Shoe Fits

Skadden was launched in 1948 by trio Marshall Skadden, Les Arps, and John Slate. Unlike many of the white shoe firms, Skadden wasn’t afraid to jump into proxy-fight work during the ’50s and ’60s, which set the stage for the hostile takeovers the firm handled in later years. Much of Skadden’s ethos can be attributed to Joe Flom, who started at Skadden six months after its 1948 founding. Flom participated in most of the m...

2022 Vault Rankings

#3

Vault Law 100

#1

Best Law Firms for Securities Litigation

#1

Best Law Firms for Tax Law

Associate Reviews

“Prior to the pandemic, lawyers socialized at least a couple times a month. Day to day, the atmosphere was very friendly, and many of my good friends are fellow associates in my office. Interactions are typically cordial and friendly.”
“Lawyers and staff frequently socialize after hours, which makes working productively together much easier. It creates an environment where you can clearly communicate about assignments and aren't afraid to ask questions or ask for extensions when necessary.”
“Skadden offers a social environment that pairs intellect and energy with personal warmth. The lawyers and staff here genuinely enjoy spending time with one another, and that social environment allows transaction teams to work long hours together comfortably and effectively when client needs demand it.”
“Before the pandemic, I would have lunch with my co-workers/friends almost every day. People are interested in socializing, and I find them to be authentic and collegial. We would also have social events for special occasions and holidays quite frequently, at least once or twice a month.”
“… I have been working remotely from the start. I do, however, socialize with many Skadden attorneys to the extent possible, be it through virtual lunches or firm-sponsored social events. I feel that firm integration is happening as best as it can under the circumstances.”

Why Work Here

The key to Skadden’s success is the strength of our team globally. We are committed to hiring, developing and empowering high-performing attorneys whose diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences provide an important advantage in our ability to deliver innovative solutions to our clients. We invite you to learn more about opportunities at our firm for law students and graduates.

Diversity at Skadden

"Skadden's commitment to foster a diverse and inclusive environment is fundamental to our firm's values. Our global diversity and inclusion (D&I) mission is to hire, develop and empower highly performing attorneys whose diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences provide an important advantage in our ability to deliver excellent service and innovative solutions to our clients. During the 2L hiring season each year, we conduct on-campus interviews or résumé collections at more than three dozen U.S. law schools or..."

Read the Diversity Report

Getting Hired Here

“The firm looks at law school, grades, and personality. It hires heavily from T14 schools and also the top students from lower-ranked schools. The firm seems to favor candidates who are confident and self-assured.”
“Law school attended is very important. ... Once you pass the law school/grades mark, you also have to be compatible with firm culture. The firm trains everyone on interviewing and also does implicit bias training.”
“Our firm focuses on well-rounded candidates—they must, of course, be extremely intelligent, motivated, and high achieving, but we also value individuals who understand the value of teamwork and treat others with respect.”
“The firm is selective in who it hires. It values DE&I and invests in its 1L hiring program. …”