Overview
Introduction
A V20 law firm, Ropes & Gray has a seat at the table with the most elite law firms. The firm is known for its private equity chops and overall strength across legal practice areas. Training and mentoring are key to the firm’s collaborative culture, which has no room for egos. Ropes & Gray is committed to providing high-level representation for all its clients and cultivating a culture of friendly, collaborative attorneys.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2023)
No. of Partners Named (2022)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2022)
No. of Summer Associates (2023)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
Many factors, including partner engagement, work-life balance, and commitment to pro bono work comprise the list of reasons why associates should give a long, hard look at Ropes & Gray. The firm hires from T14 and other schools in geographic proximity to the hiring office. Candidates must have high grades and be kind people. Colleagues are supportive and social but understand of work-life balance. Partners respect associates and freely give their time to answer questions and provide feedback. This exceptional mentoring, along with rigorous training offered by the firm, help associates feel prepared for their work and for taking on new challenges. Significant efforts to orient and welcome laterals are effective. Some less-glamorous tasks are sprinkled in with work that is g...
About the Firm
With 14 offices across the United States, Europe, and Asia, Ropes & Gray is an international firm that prides itself on exceptional client service and cutting-edge work. A regular atop legal industry rankings, the firm is adept at assisting clients in complex, highly regulated industries like asset management, healthcare, life sciences, private equity, and technology.
From Boston to the World
John Codman Ropes and John Chipman Gray, Harvard Law grads, founded the firm in Boston in 1865. The Great Depression led to the firm’s development of its bankruptcy practice, the New Deal sparked the firm’s labor practice, and the creation of the SEC inspired the addition of financial reports to its services. By the 1960s, the firm had grown to nearly 75 attorneys. Today, the firm is home ...
2025 Vault Rankings
Associate Reviews
- “I find the firm's culture to be remarkably supportive. While we all work long hours, almost everyone I work with is kind, caring, and understanding of the stresses and strains of the job. In my particular practice group, we all make an effort to socialize both inside and outside of the office.”
- “There's a good mix of personality types, but overall friendly. If you like to socialize, there are plenty of folks to socialize with, and if you don't, nobody will bother you. I truly believe any personality type can succeed in the culture here. Overall, the interaction between lawyers and staff is very friendly.”
- “Ropes has a very collegial environment, which is exemplified in the interactions between partners, associates, and staff alike. Though the work can be challenging, people are generally open, kind, and welcoming. The firm provides regular social events (e.g., weekly practice group socials and summer and holiday parties). The people are my favorite thing about Ropes.”
- “The culture is professional but also friendly and respectful of work-life balance and encouraging of teamwork, including between attorneys at different levels. Partners and senior associates are approachable, both in a professional setting and in the occasional social events the firm or particular practice groups promote.”
Why Work Here
Imagine the possibilities that come from joining one of the world’s elite law firms: Dynamic work in industries that shape the global economy. Opportunities to help some of the world’s biggest names innovate, get deals done, mobilize capital and resolve disputes. The chance to define your role on a diverse global team working together to make a difference for clients, in the community, and around the world. That’s the power of you and Ropes & Gray.
Diversity at Ropes & Gray
Getting Hired Here
- “Ropes seems to have less of a T14 focus than other fop firms (they recruit from a wider range of schools). Non-T14 grads almost always have high grades and frequently journal experience.”
- “Ropes hires from T14 schools plus top schools locally based on the office.”
- “The firm wants a diverse associate class pulled from top talent at a diverse range of law schools. You don't have to be T14, but you need to bring academic chops, personal experience, and growth potential.”
- “I think the firm generally wants high-performing students from the best law schools. With that being said, they are definitely open to hiring people who have nontraditional career paths but show a willingness to learn and do the work. They seem to appreciate an entrepreneurial spirit.”
Perks & Benefits