Overview
Introduction
Faegre Drinker, established only recently, in 2020, has roots in law firms founded in the mid-1800s. The firm has undergone a series of combinations, and is now an international firm with 1,200 attorneys and consulting professionals licensed in nearly every state in the United States and offices in London and Shanghai. It provides a full range of transactional, litigation, and regulatory services. Associates are taught extensively by partners, and they appreciate the firm's commitment to pro bono work.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2024)
No. of Partners Named (2023)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2024)
No. of Summer Associates (2024)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
From locations across the U.S. and internationally, Faegre Drinker gives associates opportunities for top-quality work alongside profoundly engaged partners and coworkers. Hiring is increasingly competitive, from T14 schools to law schools regionally close to specific offices. Coworkers are approachable, supportive, and collaborative, and associates learn under the tutelage of partners, who want to see them develop. One-on-one training sessions with mentors are common and supplemented with robust formal offerings. Transitions are good for lateral hires, who feel welcomed immediately. Advanced, challenging projects are assigned with appropriate guidance given, and distribution of work is fair. Faegre Drinker has adopted a manageable 1,900-hour billable requirement, and attorneys en...
Firm's Response
Faegre Drinker invests in and supports the well-being of all our colleagues. As we embark on a new journey in our hybrid workplace, we recognize that our mental health, well-being and the ability to thrive in all aspects of our lives is important to who we are and how we come together as a firm and serve our clients. In 2022, we launched a...
About the Firm
Faegre Drinker is an international law firm providing litigation, regulatory, and business services to clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to startups. The firm was formed in February 2020 through the combination of Faegre Baker Daniels and Drinker Biddle & Reath.
Two Become One
Both of the Faegre Drinker legacy firms have storied histories. Drinker Biddle & Reath was founded and headquartered in Philadelphia in 1849. In 1871, Drinker Biddle presided over the creation of Drexel, Morgan and Co., an investment bank that would later become JPMorgan. Drinker Biddle also assisted Georg von Trapp (depicted in the Sound of Music) in 1939 with visa issues at Ellis Island. Faegre Baker Daniels was formed through the 2012 combination of Baker & Daniels and Fae...
Associate Reviews
- “People are friendly and generally willing to help each other through sharing expertise and offering case coverage. As such, the atmosphere is collaborative. The firm has a largely apolitical feel, and we do not discuss politics. We have a relatively quiet office, though we do socialize a few times each month [at] firm-sponsored events.”
- “Collaborative culture where everyone is looking to help one another and work together. Lawyers socialize regularly, but it is not mandated. [Socializing] is both firm-sponsored and organic. Lawyers and staff interact regularly, and relationships are built on shared trust and respect.”
- “Lawyers are friendly and approachable with both each other and staff. Culture varies by practice group but is generally social through both natural connections and firm-/practice group-sponsored events. In my practice group, we make time to get coffee together, and the partners and associates are always willing to make time to discuss work and personal matters.”
- “Faegre has almost as good of a culture as it can get in BigLaw. The firm is truly hybrid with one connection day per week. The firm buys lunch for everyone on that connection day, and everyone sits and eats lunch together. The firm being headquartered in the Midwest seems to also lend a ‘Midwest manners’ culture throughout the firm. The attorneys here work hard, but it's more of an understated excellence. We don't live and die by the desk, and attorneys are pleasant to work with.”
Why Work Here
Welcome to Faegre Drinker!
We are a firm committed to providing opportunities for our attorneys to grow and succeed in their legal careers. You will thrive here if you are sincere and authentic and want to perform high-quality work in an open and collaborative environment. That’s who we are and what we are looking for: excellent attorneys without arrogance.
Diversity at Faegre Drinker
Getting Hired Here
- “The firm's hiring process is becoming increasingly competitive, and we've just implemented a grade threshold..”
- “We are looking for candidates with excellent academic credentials (generally from top 40 law schools but with wiggle room, especially in Midwest offices). Relevant work experience makes a big difference for students with slightly less-stellar academic credentials. Yes, to training and guidelines for interviews.”
- “There is a national hiring committee, but most recruiting work is done at the level of individual offices. For our office, retention is important, and we look for candidates with roots and/or serious interest in living and working in the area.”
- “Faegre Drinker only hires the best talent. It is extremely competitive. Applicants need to have great grades/experience both in school and their past work experience. I would say that every Faegre Drinker office has ‘feeder’ schools in the region of those particular offices since we have alumni nearby to foster a close relationship with current students. However, Faegre Drinker will hire from a variety of schools across the country in all offices.”
Perks & Benefits