Overview
Introduction
One of DC’s finest, the global megafirm Arnold & Porter is home to nearly 1,000 lawyers practicing across dozens of areas—with antitrust being one of the most notable. The firm focuses heavily on mentoring, with mentoring budgets, shadowing opportunities, and multiple formal mentors for junior associates. Pro bono is a big deal at Arnold & Porter, too, as the firm allows up to 200 hours to count toward the annual billable goal and has won numerous awards for its efforts.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2024)
No. of Partners Named (2023)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2023)
No. of Summer Associates (2024)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
Famous for its appellate litigation practice, Arnold & Porter is a prestigious firm with a strong presence almost everywhere in the country. The culture is professional and welcoming, and associates are treated with respect by the partners at the firm. The billable hour requirement is a fairly standard 2,000, with 200 of those eligible to come from pro bono and other non-billable categories. The firm consistently matches the top of the market for salaries, and above-market bonuses are available for high performers. Work is generally substantive and appropriate to attorney experience levels. The firm’s technology is adequate to meet the demands of both in-office and at-home work, and associates feel the firm shows a genuine investment in wellness through, among other things...
About the Firm
Arnold & Porter is home to more than 1,000 lawyers across 15 offices around the globe. The firm practices in more than 40 areas and is particularly well-known for its antitrust and appellate, environmental, and securities litigation practices, as well as its cross-border work.
Let’s Get Together
The Washington, DC, giant firm Arnold & Porter joined New York’s Kaye Scholer in 2017, creating Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP. The merger combined the best of both worlds—a DC firm known for its top-ranked practices, including antitrust, regulatory, and litigation, and a New York firm recognized by Vault and others for its stellar associate quality of life.
Top-Notch
Today, Arnold & Porter contin...
Associate Reviews
- “The culture is generally great. They encourage people to come into the office by having mini social events during the day (free coffee, treats, etc.). As a summer class, we got to know each other pretty well, so we try to get lunch together whenever possible. I like my coworkers very much and feel respected by them.”
- “Collaborative, congenial, flexible, hardworking, encouraging.”
- “A&P has a friendly atmosphere. I am yet to meet anyone who is not personable, even among the partners. Monthly get-togethers are planned for associates at a different restaurant each time.”
- “There are firm-sponsored events at least three times per week. Some in the office and some encouraging attorneys to get out of the office. Younger associates and paralegals socialize organically.”
Why Work Here
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP has nearly 1,000 lawyers across nine domestic and four international offices. Client-driven and industry-focused, our lawyers practice across 30+ practice areas, including antitrust, bankruptcy, corporate and finance, environmental, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, and tax, to help clients with complex needs stay ahead of the global market, anticipate opportunities, and address issues that impact their businesses. Our global reach, experience, and deep knowledge allow us to work across geographic, cultural, technological, and ideological borders to offer clients forward-looking, results-oriented solutions that resolve their US, international, and cross-border legal needs.
Diversity at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP
Getting Hired Here
- “Firm wants smart, energetic, creative, thoughtful associates with genuine interests outside of work.”
- “Smart and passionate about the law. But mostly pleasant to work with at 3 a.m. before a deadline the next day.”
- “The firm is quite selective in extending offers to candidates it believes will fit with the culture of the firm. The hiring committee wants to know that candidates want to work at this firm and that this isn't just another firm on a job list. Unlike other BigLaw firms, Arnold & Porter is not elitist and hires attorneys who did not attend so-called ‘T14 law schools.’”
- “My firm looks for capable, well-rounded candidates. My firm values the individual as a whole and looks to law school experience as well as professional experience.”
Perks & Benefits