Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019
New York, NY 10019
(212) 728-8000
Overview
Introduction
As an elite firm with 13 global offices and approximately 1,000 attorneys, Willkie seeks top talent—but the firm is careful to hire only those who will contribute positively to the culture. Associates rave about many aspects of the firm, but great compensation and the absence of a billable hour requirement are clear frontrunners as far as perks go.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2021)
750 - 1K
No. of Partners Named (2021)
17
Featured Rankings
Vault Law 100
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2020)
66
No. of Summer Associates (2021)
93 total (83 2Ls; 10 1Ls)
No. of U.S. Offices
7
Vault Verdict
Willkie Farr is an impressive firm with a significant history, counting two past U.S. Supreme Court justices as alumni and Thomas Edison as a past client. New associates have top grades and come from top schools, as well as local schools. Once at the firm, they’ll find a pleasant and courteous environment in which staff are valued and people enjoy socializing together. Partners show genuine concern for associates and their professional growth. Communication within the firm seems to be a strong point, as is lateral integration. Formal training options, during orientation and throughout the year, are plentiful, though associates get more out of experiential learning and mentorship from senior associates and partners. Work assignments are challenging and sophisticated, and associates...
About the Firm
One of the New York elites, Willkie is home to approximately 1,000 attorneys. In addition to its home in the Big Apple, the firm has offices in Chicago, DC, Houston, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, and San Francisco, plus six locations across Europe. The firm is known for its work in antitrust, insurance, M&A, private equity, restructuring, and securities litigation, among other areas.
On Broadway
In 1888, four lawyers planted roots on a little street called Broadway in New York City, naming the firm Hornblower & Byrne. Toward the end of the 19th century, the firm picked up a new name partner who would shape the next 40 years: William W. Miller. During the Miller years, the firm added attorneys of influence to its ranks (including future Supreme Court justice Felix Fr...
2023 Vault Rankings
Associate Reviews
- “There is a collegial atmosphere, which is quite welcoming to newcomers and longstanding employees alike. There are friendly interactions between lawyers and staff, and plenty of firm-sponsored social and after hours activities to attend, if desired.”
- “Willkie has an excellent culture. I can't emphasize enough how friendly each of the folks on my deal teams have been, and how invested they are in my growth as a young attorney. Being surrounded by attorneys who are kind, collaborative, and hardworking makes you want to go the extra mile and provide great work product. Willkie attorneys are social—I have only been here five months but have made some awesome friends who I socialize with outside of work.”
- “Attorneys are expected to treat each other and support staff with courtesy. Most partners will go out of their way to check in with their associates, catch up on their personal life/social events, etc.”
Why Work Here
At Willkie, people are our most valued asset. From the day you start at the Firm as a young lawyer, you are an integral part of the Willkie community and, whether you choose to remain here for the rest of your career or decide to move on to other endeavors, you will always be a part of the Willkie family.
There are many reasons to work at Willkie. At its simplest, our fundamental goal is to provide our attorneys with the highest-quality training, early responsibility and the opportunity to work on challenging and cutting-edge matters in a collaborative environment where people genuinely get along with each other.
Diversity at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
"Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons based solely on an individual's qualifications and merit without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity and expression, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, paternity, marital or civil partnership status, caregiver status, nationality, national origin, citizenship, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or preference, veteran's status or any other classification protected by law. The..."
Getting Hired Here
JOB OPENINGS AT THIS COMPANY
- “You need to meet the traditional ‘elite’ barometers of elite BigLaw—top school, top grades, etc. However, Willkie also seems focused on hiring people who ‘fit.’ Willkie is full of brilliant, versatile, but down-to-earth people who exhibit the highest levels of legal professionalism without taking themselves too seriously. Generally speaking, this creates a culture of attorneys who care and respect others.”
- “Generally looking for nice people who are pleasant to work with and who also have the right academic bonafides. I think that school matters but they also recruit from a lot of local schools as well. I think personality matters a lot in the recruitment process and I like that. Personality matters a lot especially when you are under stress. Grace under pressure is important.”
- “Willkie definitely values top end candidates, but I wouldn't say there are any explicit guidelines or feeder schools that it sticks to.”
