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Q&A with Two Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Innovation Associates at Gibson Dunn
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your professional journey. Stephenie Gosnell Handler: My professional journey is a great reminder that there is no one path to follow! I attended the U.S....
Editor's Picks
Use Employee Benefits to Guide Your Job Search (But Not in the Way You Might Think)
Experiential Learning in Law School and Beyond
The Importance of Technology Proficiency – Part I
BigLaw Offers Big Employee Benefits These Days-and That’s a Big Deal
Explore Vault Law Resources
2023 Vault Law Rankings
Vault Law’s rankings are based on exclusive insider information from verified employees in the law industry. Each year, Vault surveys thousands of law firm associates, and from the results of these surveys, Vault ranks the top law firms in prestige, diversity, quality of life, and overall best to work for.
Law Firm Profiles
Vault Law has you covered, with detailed law firm profiles for hundreds of top law firms. With critical stats and firsthand information, our profiles give you the scoop on everything you need to know about a firm and what it’s really like to work there.
Legal Practice Area Overviews
Want to really know what it's really like to practice law in a certain area? With Vault Law's practice area resources, you can take a deep dive into dozens of practice areas to find out what it's really like to be an attorney in that area.
Welcome to the New Vault Law!
If you’ve used Vault’s resources before, then you’ve probably noticed that things look a little different around here. That’s because we’ve embarked on an exciting new journey, joining forces with Firsthand to form a comprehensive career engagement platform.
Introducing the New Firsthand Brand and Platform
Today we’re excited to embark on a new chapter for Vault and Firsthand with the launch of our new career engagement platform. We’re starting this new chapter with a unified new brand and a familiar name: Firsthand.
Vault Law Rankings
Introducing the 2023 Vault 100!
The results are in, and for the seventh straight year, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP has clinched the No. 1 spot in the Vault Law 100, making it the most prestigious law firm yet again.
Announcing The 2023 Best Law Firms to Work For
Continuing with our rolling release of the 2023 rankings, we proudly present this year's Best Law Firms to Work For.Repeating as the overall winner is McDermott, Will & Emery. Rounding out the overall top ten are:2: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP3: O'Melveny & Myers LLP4: Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP5: Clifford Chance US LLP6: Ropes & Gray LLP7: Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP8: Dechert LLP9: Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP10: Paul Hastings LLPWe also provide rankings in each of the specific subcategories of our survey.
Announcing The 2023 Vault Practice Area and Regional Prestige Rankings
Continuing with our rolling release of the 2023 Vault Law rankings, we are proud to present the prestige rankings for each region and practice area to complement the overall prestige rankings that comprise the Vault 100.
Announcing The 2023 Best Midsize Law Firms to Work For and Top 150 Under 150!
Rounding out our rankings releases for the year 2023, we are pleased to announce the Best Midsize Law Firms To Work For as well as the Top 150 Under 150.The survey-based Best Midsize Law Firms To Work For, like the general ones before them, are given both an overall ranking as well as a breakout by specific category. The overall best midsize firm to work for this year is Harrity & Harrity, LLP.
Announcing Vault's 2023 Best Law Firms for Diversity
Continuing our rolling rankings release, we are proud to announce the 2023 Best Law Firms for Diversity! Coming in at the top of the rankings is McDermott, Will, & Emery.
Law School
Tips for Successful Law School Outlines
The holidays are almost here, and if you're a 1L, that means 'tis the season to study for your first set of law school exams. Ideally, you've already started outlining—if you haven't, now is the time to start.
Tips for Writing a Last-Minute Legal Paper
Early in your legal career—whether in law school or practice—you are often given projects with deadlines broken out for you to ensure no last-minute scrambles. As you progress, however, there may come a time when you need to produce a polished work product in a very short window of time.
Coping with Depression in Law School
The journey to becoming an attorney is a windy road filled with late-night study sessions, high-pressure exams, and tough competition—all of which can contribute to mental health challenges. With an estimated 40% of law students experiencing depression by graduation, it is important to understand that you are not alone if you are suffering from depression.
The Best Study Tip for Last Minute Exam Prep
What should you do if you’re staring down the barrel of your first midterm in a week or two, and you haven’t prepared as much as you planned to by this point in the semester? Or what if you have, but you’re simply not sure how to maximize your time and effort in the final days leading up to the test?
Tips and Strategies for Tackling Legal Research
Your first open memo is due, and you’re not sure if you have done all the research correctly or found all the law you need to cite. Or maybe you’re staring at a blank page that needs to become a client motion, and you need some inspiration for crafting a winning argument.
Quick Tips for Law School Outlines [INFOGRAPHIC]
Not sure where to start when it comes to outlining in law school? These tips will have you well on your way to creating outlines that will help you best prepare for final exams.
Steps 1Ls Can Take to Set Themselves Up For Success
Starting as a 1L in law school can be extremely daunting. No doubt, you’ve seen movies and television shows portraying law school as a horrifying place where professors try to embarrass you, and your classmates are your worst enemies.
Tips for Recovering Your Law School GPA
It’s disappointing when you don’t achieve the grades you were hoping for in law school, but don’t panic: Your career is not over, and you can improve. Here are some tips for what to do next.
What to Do If You Bomb a Law School Cold Call
In your 1L contracts class, you may read (or remember reading) a nineteenth century case called Hadley v. Baxendale.
Law School Transfer Tips & Insights
If you've just finished your first year of law school, this is the time you might be thinking about applying to transfer law schools. The transfer application process can be confusing, and guidance isn’t always easy to find—especially because the process varies from school to school.
Tips for Taking Class Notes in Law School [INFOGRAPHIC]
Even if a certain note-taking style worked for you in undergrad, you may find that your law school classes require a different approach. Below are some tips you may want to try.
Why You Should Join Law Review
For rising 2Ls, now is the time you may be going through a, erm, favorite law school tradition: the write-on competition. This competition, which involves hours of editing, reading, and writing, potentially results in the prize of a spot on your school’s law review or another journal.
The Legal Job Search
Law Firm Prestige: Is It Everything?
Just how important is law firm prestige? This question might seem strange coming from a Vault Law editor, since we are, after all, known for the Vault Law 100—a ranking of the 100 most prestigious law firms in the U.S.
Questions You Should Never Ask During a Legal Job Interview
There is one question you can always expect during your legal job interview: Do you have any questions for us? Preparing thoughtful, well-researched questions for this part of your interview is a great way to show your interest in the legal employer and that you have done your homework.
Interview Questions that Vault's Top 10 Law Firms Ask
The single most important way to prepare for law firm interviews is to practice answering mock interview questions. You should, of course, have some lines prepared for standard questions like, “Why did you go to law school?
Bouncing Back from a Job Rejection
Your resume was flawless, you made it through multiple rounds of interviews, you wrote the perfect thank-you notes, you’re sure you have the job in the bag, and then… You get the dreaded email informing you that you didn’t get the job. Anyone who has been in this position knows it feels like a punch to the gut.
Grace Under Pressure: 5 Steps to a Calm, Confident, and Resilient Interview Season
Diane Costigan is Winston & Strawn’s Director of Coaching & Well-Being. She offers bespoke, one-on-one coaching to attorneys and professional staff, and develops industry-leading programs that reflect Winston’s commitment to mental and physical health and well-being.
Tips for Answering Behavioral Interview Questions [INFOGRAPHIC]
Do behavioral interview questions strike fear in your heart? You're not alone.
Legal Cover Letter Checklist [INFOGRAPHIC]
A polished, compelling cover letter is a critical component of a legal job application. This is your chance to make a great first impression and demonstrate why you're the perfect fit for the job.
Social Media and Your Legal Job Search [INFOGRAPHIC]
Searching for your next legal job is a job in itself. But with some help, you can use social media to your advantage in finding your next career step.
On Campus Interview Prep Checklist [INFOGRAPHIC]
Networking, researching, and practicing interview questions are all key to preparing for your on campus interviews. Use the tips below to get ready for your screeners and set yourself apart from the applicant pool.
Top Questions to Ask to Determine If a Law Firm Is the Best Fit
There is no doubt that OCI can feel like an intimidating process. But, it is also a very exciting and important process for many looking to transition from law school into practice at a firm.
Summer Associate Secrets to Success and Mistakes to Avoid
1. Focus on building relationships whether you are in-person or you are working in a remote environment.
Ten Tips for the Virtual OCI Process
By now, you’re a skilled sailor in virtual seas. You’ve attended classes, social events, and panel presentations through Zoom and have customized your workspace for optimal connection and participation.
Law Firm Life
Ways to Stand Out As A Junior Associate
There is no perfect formula for success as a junior associate, but patterns of personal characteristics or best practices across standout associates can be identified. In this article, I share the hallmarks of successful junior associates at my firm, Jones Day.
Trial During COVID-19: Three Associates Share Their Experiences
Mary Biscoe-Hall, Ryan Cullen, and Shaun Polston are associates at Nelson Mullins and work in the firm's well-recognized products liability litigation practice. Below, they share their experiences working on trial teams during the COVID-19 pandemic and lessons they've learned along the way.
A Day in the Life: Ropes & Gray Corporate Associate
Lindsay Richardson is an associate in Ropes & Gray's corporate department. Lindsay practices primarily in the firm’s private equity group and represents private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies in connection with mergers and acquisitions, going-private transactions, leveraged buyouts and equity investments, as well as general corporate matters.
Drafting the Perfect Out-of-Office Email
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re seeking the perfect language to use in your out-of-office auto-reply for some upcoming time away from work. An OOO email is one of those messages that may seem simple in theory, but without an example, it can be hard to come up with the right wording.
The Power of Support: Leveraging Connections to Chart Your Path
As you navigate your first year of law school and begin your journey in the legal industry, it is important to build a network that you can lean on for support, guidance, and mentorship. There will be twists and turns along the way, and drawing on the experiences and advice of those who are walking—or have walked—the same path will be critical to charting your own course.
The Value of A Gratitude Practice for Lawyers and Law Students (And Tips For Starting One)
The concept of mindfulness is having a heyday in United States culture. This trend began picking up speed well before the pandemic—almost as though people were already burning out in the American work culture—and has only accelerated over the last two years.
Summer Associate Tips for Success
Winston & Strawn’s Hiring Committee Chair William O’Neil offers advice to help aspiring lawyers stand out from the crowd during OCI and make the most of their summer associate experience. Vault: What are the key things you look for on a law student’s resume?
Using a Legal Secondment to Sharpen Your Skills and Advance Your Career
You may have heard the term “secondment” and wondered, “exactly what is a secondment and why should I consider doing one? ” Good questions!
How to Nail the Business Casual Dress Code
As we quickly return to an almost pre-2020 normal, many of us have received announcements that in-person work days are about to resume. For some, it may be more than just a bummer to think about trading in the comfort of yoga pants; you may also be struggling to figure out what clothes you’re trading them in for—especially if your office has a business casual dress code.
A Day in the Life: Law Firm Summer Associate
Efat Elsherif is a 2L summer associate in White & Case’s New York office. Efat graduated from McGill University in 2016 with a B.A.
Vacation Checklist for BigLaw Associates
Taking a vacation as a BigLaw associate can be stressful. Clients are demanding, more-senior lawyers are demanding, and the workload is demanding—so how can you possibly step away?
Five Ways Associates Can Adapt Their Practices After Covid-19
The COVID-19 pandemic uprooted our traditional work habits and routines. But it didn't stall professional or business development.
Legal Practice Areas
Legal Practice Area Overviews
Want to really know what it's really like to practice law in a certain area? With Vault Law's practice area resources, you can take a deep dive into dozens of practice areas to find out what it's really like to be an attorney in that area.
The Inside Scoop on Practicing Intellectual Property Law
Intellectual property lawyers protect and enforce the rights of creators, and most work in one of three key areas: transactional IP, IP litigation, or patent prosecution. Transactional practitioners may handle matters such as licensing deals or the IP issues within an M&A transaction, while litigators handle disputes related to patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.
So, You’re Thinking of Becoming a Transactional Lawyer
Milbank boasts one of the most dynamic and prestigious corporate practice groups in the country. The group includes more than 445 attorneys with a wide range of educational backgrounds and work experiences.
The Ins and Outs of Practicing Real Estate Law
From financings to joint ventures to land use issues, and more, real estate lawyers tackle myriad areas, making the practice both challenging and exciting. For many, working in real estate law is exhilarating because they can see their efforts directly as they walk through their neighborhoods.
Practice Perspectives: Everything You Need to Know About Legal Practice Areas
The most frequent question we receive from law students and fledgling attorneys is how to differentiate among legal practice areas. Launching your legal career with confidence can be difficult if you're not sure what each practice area entails and what kinds of tasks you'd tackle in certain areas.
What Is a Typical Day Like for a Bankruptcy Lawyer?
Masters of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and experts in wearing many different hats, bankruptcy lawyers are a nimble bunch who work across disciplines.
What Is It Like to Work as a Tax Law Attorney?
It’s the middle of tax season, so what better time than the present to shed some light on this legal practice area? For many law students and new lawyers, tax law is an area shrouded in misconception and mystery.
Emerging Lawyer Spotlight: Interview with a Health Care Compliance Attorney
Vault’s Emerging Lawyers Series highlights the legal careers of recent law school graduates, exploring how they landed their first law job, what it’s like working as a junior lawyer, and any advice they have for law students pursuing similar paths. Christine Kearney is the Compliance Advisor at TASC, Inc.
Emerging Lawyer Spotlight: Interview with a Second-Year Federal Judicial Law Clerk
Vault’s Emerging Lawyers Series highlights the legal careers of recent law school graduates, exploring how they landed their first law job, what it’s like working as a junior lawyer, and any advice they have for law students pursuing similar paths. John Pavletic, a 2018 graduate of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, is currently employed as a judicial law clerk for a federal appellate judge.
The Career Path of an Intellectual Property Lawyer
One of the best parts about practicing law is the range of people with whom you will work. There is not one set background for a lawyer, so you will find yourself collaborating with former teachers, scientists, artists, doctors, writers, finance professionals, veterans—you name it.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
5 Tips for Seeking Feedback as an Associate of Color
Monica R. Parker, Esq.
Advice for Assessing Whether a Law Firm Values Diversity
Diversity. This word has generated much buzz in recent years, and shows no signs of losing momentum.
What Are Affinity Groups & How Can They Help You Grow as a Lawyer
Affinity groups are critical resources for networking, training, and—most importantly—creating community within law firms. For many lawyers, these groups can have a significant impact on their professional growth and personal satisfaction.
Supporting Law Students and Lawyers with Disabilities
How can the legal profession be more supportive of students and lawyers with disabilities? This was one of the topics presented during day one of this year’s NALP Annual Education Conference.
Get Involved in Affinity Groups as a Summer Associate
As you think about the upcoming summer, you have probably started a list of everything you would like to accomplish during your summer program: receive substantive work, impress the attorneys in your practice group of interest, make new friends, etc. On top of all of that, I highly recommend that you add one more item to your summer to-do list: get involved in affinity groups.
Alternative Legal Careers
Legal Career Paths: From Lawyer to Baker and International Bagel Consultant
Beth George is the owner of BYOB BAGELS and has been designing and developing all-natural bagel formulas for more than a dozen years. With her precision techniques, she has developed a unique teaching method based upon spreadsheets to eliminate guesswork in bagel baking.
Legal Career Paths: From the Legal Industry to the Wine Industry
Dina Opici is President of Opici Family Distributing, a family-owned wine and spirits wholesale distribution company based in Glen Rock, NJ. Ms.
Legal Career Paths: From Practicing Securities Litigation to Empowering Student Athletes
Joyce Anderson is the Co-Founder and COO of Honest Game. Previously, she was an associate at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, and currently she serves as President of the Board for Girls Play Sports NFP.
Legal Career Paths: Senior Corporate Counsel, Life Coach, and Podcast Host
Angela Han is a lawyer and a life coach. She helps lawyers get results by transforming blind spots into strengths.
Legal Career Paths: From BigLaw to Entrepreneur and Founder of Effie’s Paper
Kalyn Johnson Chandler is the founder and creative force behind the signature paperie, Effie’s Paper :: Stationery & Whatnot. Following a ten-year legal career as an environmental transactional lawyer at Jones Day, Kalyn returned to her first love, fashion, in 2007.
Legal Career Spotlight: General Counsel of State Farm
Steve McManus is Senior Vice President and General Counsel at State Farm. He is a first-generation college and law student, worked for State Farm while pursuing a law degree at Seton Hall University at night, and joined the Law department in 1991.
Legal Career Spotlight: From Private Practice to Dean of Students to Belonging Consulting
Neha Sampat is CEO and founder of GenLead|BelongLab, where she focuses on building belonging and true inclusion and developing authentic leaders. After earning her J.D.
Legal Career Spotlight: Supreme Court Clerk to BigLaw Associate to Academia
David Van Zandt has served as the president of The New School (the alma mater of three of Vault’s editors! ) since 2011.
Legal Career Spotlight: Real Estate Attorney to Stress and Resilience Expert
Paula Davis-Laack is the founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute, a training and consulting firm that partners with law firms and organizations to help them reduce burnout and build resilient leaders, teams, and cultures. She’s a former commercial real estate attorney who left law to pursue a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology, which led her to teach others about the detrimental effects of stress and burnout, and the skills needed to build wellbeing at work.
Legal Career Spotlight: From Attorney to Professional Development to Author
J. Kelly Hoey is a networking professional, speaker, and author of the book Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships in a Hyper-Connected World.
The Bar Exam
What You Need to Know About the Patent Bar Exam
It’s frequently recited that a scientific or technical background is a prerequisite to practicing patent law. But what does that really mean?
Bar Exam Prep: Dos and Don'ts [INFOGRAPHIC]
Studying for the bar exam is undoubtedly one of the most stressful steps in your legal career path, but there are some things you can do to help the process go a little smoother. The following tips for bar exam prep will go a long way toward bar exam success.
Post-Bar Exam Travel: Unwind with These Bar Trip Ideas
While the stress of the bar exam can be overwhelming, there is one bright spot to look forward to: your post-exam bar trip. Planning a memorable trip after the bar exam is a favorite tradition among recent law grads—from relaxing at a tropical location to jetsetting around the globe.
The Costs of Becoming Barred [INFOGRAPHIC]
It's no secret that becoming a lawyer isn't a cheap endeavor, but one easily overlooked set of costs are those associated with the bar exam and bar membership. This infographic covers the expenses you should be prepared to cover, from the MPRE to score transfers.
Surviving a Breakup During Bar Exam Prep
When you’re preparing for the bar exam, you hope that your support system will be there to cheer you on at every high-stress step along the way, not to mention celebrate with you when it’s over. After all, this exam is a big deal for you and your legal career—it’s the grand finale after years of hard work.
Creating a Bar Exam Prep Schedule
The bar exam is only a few months away, which means it’s time to start prepping. Bar prep seems like a daunting time, but it does not have to be.
Bar Prep: One Size Does Not Fit All
You’ve mastered the Socratic method and hit your groove with law school exams, but the bar exam is entirely different animal. Instead of dreading the upcoming exam this July, however, take control of your bar exam preparation by preparing in advance.
Bar Exam Tips for Two Weeks Out
The February bar exam is just two weeks away (I know, you probably didn’t need the reminder). For many people, this is about the time you start to really freak out and wonder if you’ll ever feel ready.
It's Okay to ‘Wine’ About Bar Prep
If you are currently studying for the bar exam, you will most likely spend long nights in front of your books while memorizing various elements. Just because you are studying does not mean that you cannot take time out of your schedule to treat yourself and unwind to feel refreshed.
Lateral Job Search
Is it Time for a Lateral Move? Key Things to Consider
It used to be the norm that a lawyer would spend their entire career with one firm, but that is increasingly unlikely in this day and age. Many lawyers choose their first legal employer after only one year of law school and with limited information.
Should You Work with a Legal Recruiter? And How to Choose One
A knowledgeable legal recruiter can be a great asset during your job search, but you must keep in mind the recruiter’s motivations and access to employers—and whether you are in a situation to benefit from their assistance. Most legal recruiters are paid only for successful placements—at the end of the day the recruiter wants you to move in order to get paid.
Tips for Negotiating Your Lateral Associate Offer
Every good lawyer knows you don’t accept the first offer, yet so many lateral associates do just that when moving firms. Big firms generally pay market compensation, so many assume there is no room for negotiations—but that isn’t remotely true.
Tips for Increasing Your Productivity [INFOGRAPHIC]
Did you know that this Sunday, June 20 is World Productivity Day? If you feel like you could get more out of your time, you're not alone—and this is a great time to assess and tweak your work or study habits.
4 Tips for Starting Your Lateral Job Search [INFOGRAPHIC]
The prospect of moving to another law firm can be overwhelming. Not only are you already busy with work, but you probably haven't touched your resume or thought about the legal interview process in quite some time.
How to Make a Great First Impression as a Lateral Attorney
The old adage is true: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. When making a lateral move, you want to put your best foot forward on day one and start off with a bang.
Perfect Zoom Backgrounds for Lawyers & Law Students
For more than a year, we’ve practically lived on Zoom, and video meetings don’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon. Making the right impression during video calls is critical, right down to what is in your background.
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