WilmerHale
Phone number: (617) 526-6000 • (202) 663-6000
Visit Website: www.wilmerhale.com
Summer Program: Learn More
Overview
Introduction
Handling cases that often make front-page headlines, WilmerHale is a litigation super star, with particular strength in intellectual property. The firm boasts a respectful culture where associates feel supported by partners and have the resources they need to soar with high-level matters. With 1,000 lawyers across the U.S., Asia, and Europe, WilmerHale is known especially for its work in IP, securities, and appellate litigation, as well as its life sciences and technology experience. The firm counsels in a range of industries, inc...
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2021)
1K - 1.5K
No. of Partners Named (2011)
7
Featured Rankings
Vault Law 100
No. of Summer Associates (2021)
88 total (84 2Ls; 4 1Ls)
Base Salary
All offices
No. of U.S. Offices
7
Vault Verdict
WilmerHale values grades in hiring, but the firm is also focused on finding well-rounded, mature individuals who fit with the firm’s down-to-earth atmosphere. The firm has an intellectual culture, where questions are welcome, and all voices are heard in strategy discussions and debates. Associates feel very supported through both the Career Advancement Program and culture of mentoring. The firm’s Trial Practice series is also a big hit in helping associates feel prepared for the various stages of practice. If you’re looking for a place to take on cutting-edge work, WilmerHale is it. And associates aren’t held back—the firm is a meritocracy where opportunities for high-level work can be earned. As one would expect from a firm of this caliber, hours are long, but associates feel the...
About the Firm
With 1,000 lawyers across the U.S., Asia, and Europe, WilmerHale is a litigation powerhouse, known especially for its work in IP, securities, and appellate litigation, as well as its life sciences and technology experience. The firm counsels in a range of industries, including aviation; big data, Brexit; education; energy, environment, and natural resources; financial services; health care; insurance; media and entertainment; national security; professional services; and technology.
Beantown Meets the Beltway
WilmerHale was formed in 2004 when Hale and Dorr LLP and Wilmer Cutler Pickering LLP joined forces. Legacy firm Hale & Dorr dated back to 1918. Among other things, the firm was known for its work in government matters. Firm lawyer Joseph Welch repr...
Associate Reviews
- “The firm's culture is extremely pleasant. People are genuinely nice to each other and we have a small-office atmosphere where everyone knows each other. I would describe the culture as ‘academic’ and welcoming.”
- “The culture is very welcoming and socially liberal. Pre-pandemic the lawyers socialized often at Friday night happy hours. The day-to-day is busy but people are interested in your life and how you are doing.”
- “The people are genuinely friendly, kind, and down to earth. Work colleagues care about each other and support one another professionally and personally. Since COVID lock downs, there have been less social interactions, but before COVID, the firm would host firm-sponsored events about once or twice per month.”
- “People are really kind, and there is a culture of asking questions.”
Why Work Here
WilmerHale is committed to providing consistently world-class legal services and we pride ourselves on finding innovative solutions to complex problems that require us to draw on our full range of knowledge and experience. We foster a work environment that is deeply rooted in our mission to provide unparalleled, high quality service to our clients. In an effort to continuously develop and support our workforce, we provide extensive in-house and external training opportunities and actively promote the overall well-being of every individual in the WilmerHale community.
Diversity at WilmerHale
"Our commitment to diversity and inclusion starts at the top: for the first time this year, as part of the partner compensation process, partners will be asked to summarize their demonstrated efforts to help meet the firm's diversity and inclusion goals. We recently established a permanent Executive Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDIC), held our inaugural Diversity Summit, and developed a new approach to networking and mentorship through Diversity Mentoring Circles. The EDIC members are selected from practice group and..."
Getting Hired Here
- “The firm is highly selective. A great majority of associates, counsel, and partners are from T14 schools and have completed federal clerkships. The firm is looking for the most accomplished people that are committed to the work and public service.”
- “Maturity might be the main thing. The academic and professional standards are, of course, high, and diversity is, indeed, valued. Like any top firm, clerking and law school credentials are important. But the main differentiating factor, as I see it, is high value placed on well roundedness and personal maturity. I get the feeling a question might be asked, ‘Do I want this person over for dinner at my house?’”
- “Harvard will always be a feeder school, but I do feel that the Boston office has made an effort to recruit from a variety of Boston area schools. Recruiting has also clearly valued diversity and personality fit, which I appreciate.”
- “[The firm is] looking for well-rounded people—obviously those that have done relatively well in law school, but also those with a passion for helping clients (both paying and pro bono), [those with] a commitment to diversity in the workplace and in the profession, and those with a personality that is inclusive and welcoming to those around them. This firm truly values kindness and respect.”
Perks & Benefits
