Overview
Introduction
Though Hunton Andrews Kurth did not take on its current form until 2018 after a major merger, the foundation of the firm was laid well before—in 1901. From this single office in Richmond, Virginia, the firm has blossomed into a legal giant with 18 offices and over 900 attorneys. It is known for its strength in the energy, financial services, real estate, and retail and consumer product industries.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2023)
No. of Partners Named (2023)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2023)
No. of Summer Associates (2024)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
Even with its explosive rise to megafirm status in 2018, Hunton Andrews Kurth has remained a great place for associates to work. New hires are typically from top law schools and have good grades and journal experience, as well as a geographic connection to the hiring location. Candidates need strong, engaging personalities to mesh well with the social and team-oriented office settings. Partners treat associates like equals and support their development through strong mentoring, which somewhat offsets the firm’s overall lack of formal training offerings and transparency on performance and compensation. Laterals transition well thanks to an improved integration process. Most work assignments are challenging, substantive, and commensurate with experience, though basic tasks may compr...
About the Firm
The result of 2018’s largest merger, Hunton Andrews Kurth, pairs two firms—each with over a century of history—that had been growing by leaps and bounds in the previous few years. Mid-Atlantic-based Hunton & Williams brought with it leading global practices in privacy and cybersecurity, energy, financial services, and real estate. Houston’s Andrews Kurth Kenyon had recently grown from a Lonestar State stalwart to an international firm renowned for its energy, environmental, IP, and privacy practices.
A Tale of Two Firms
Though founded more than 1,000 miles apart, Hunton & Williams and Andrews Kurth Kenyon were in many ways mirror images of one another. Eppa Hunton, Randolph Williams, and two others founded their firm in Richmond, VA, in 1901 and quickly attracted banks,...
Associate Reviews
- “The firm is extremely collegial. Associates and partners often socialize outside of work events. The work atmosphere is professional but not intimidating.”
- “Many of the lawyers not only have a professional relationship but also a personal relationship to some degree. The personal relationship largely develops organically through work and through mentorship. The associates and partners get along with one another well. Overall, a very collegial environment.”
- “We have a very inclusive and team-oriented culture. The lawyers are genuinely friends with each other and often socialize outside of work. There's a large emphasis on work-life balance, which is important and why many of the lawyers stay with the firm for their entire careers and don't burn out.”
- “The firm really cares about those who are here. I feel like I am being invested in by others. Everyone is very kind and friendly. I think most people have lives outside work, so people are not necessarily going to get drinks every night. I think it is the right balance between being coworkers and friends.”
Why Work Here
Hunton Andrews Kurth is a preeminent international law firm formed when Hunton & Williams LLP and Andrews Kurth Kenyon LLP combined in April 2018. Our more than 900 lawyers serve clients from 18 offices across the United States, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. We work as “one firm” across all of our offices and offer exceptional work opportunities on a broad array of sophisticated legal matters. Our commitment to diversity is strong, and we recruit a variety of lawyers and staff from many cultures and backgrounds, appreciating the differences they bring to the firm. We are also committed to helping all of our lawyers achieve their potential while supporting each in integrating their work and personal lives.
Diversity at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Getting Hired Here
- “Our recruiting process is very competitive, and we look for candidates with strong grades, involvement in journals or moot court, and individuals with a strong commitment to the office location. We also are looking for candidates with strong personalities and commitment to diversity and inclusion practices.”
- “Given that the firm only hires a very limited number of summer associates, we are very careful to hire someone who has the potential to thrive and be a leader in the future. The firm looks for candidates who want to be at the firm long term. For that reason, it is also important for candidates to show strong interest in our firm.”
- “No feeder schools, usually about seven summers in NY, and the NY office is split between T14s and 20-40 ranked schools. Other offices [also hire from] regional law schools. NY and DC are much more competitive.”
- “The firm is focused on good grades but really focuses on the intangible aspects. [It] wants people who are emotionally intelligent and mesh well with our firm’s culture, which is a friendly and cordial culture.”
Perks & Benefits