Overview
Introduction
With deep roots in Philly, Ballard Spahr has made its mark across the United States with 15 offices. The firm has a particularly robust litigation practice and has been lauded for its focus on innovation. The firm attracts friendly, outgoing types who are supportive of their colleagues and enjoy socializing.
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
Ballard Spahr has a workplace that emphasizes pro bono and diversity and offers associates great interactions with partners. Well-rounded candidates with work or journal experience and strong academic credentials from a wide variety of law schools—particularly schools close to the hiring office—will do well in the hiring process. Hires will be placed in pleasant and supportive office settings. Attorneys describe few opportunities to socialize. Lateral hires report having an extensive and robust onboarding experience. Partners treat associates as colleagues and push them to grow professionally by giving them ownership of their work. They spend considerable time mentoring and training associates by providing advice and feedback. Associates welcome these partner efforts because of th...
About the Firm
With more than 600 lawyers in 15 offices across the country and one of the largest and most prominent firms in Philadelphia, Ballard Spahr has a large and growing national footprint. The firm has thriving practices in litigation, business and transactions, intellectual property, finance, and real estate.
Philadelphia Breeds a Nationwide Network
Ballard Spahr traces its roots to 1885, when Philadelphia lawyer Ellis Ballard joined a law firm led by Rufus Shapley. These attorneys were joined by fellow University of Pennsylvania alumnus Boyd Lee Spahr and R. Sturgis Ingersoll. In the early 1930s, the firm became known as Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, and it was changed to Ballard Spahr LLP in 2009. The opening of a Washington, DC, office in 1978 marked the beginning of decades...
Associate Reviews
- “Collegial but with limited socializing. Both firm-sponsored and organic social activities. The day-to-day atmosphere is mostly grinding on projects to meet deadlines. We currently have a hybrid in-office/remote work schedule, so lawyers and staff interact both virtually and in-person.”
- “The day-to-day atmosphere is relaxed. People are friendly and willing to help. The office hosts events several times a year. People also socialize together outside of firm-hosted events.”
- “Ballard is an extremely collegial firm with low power distance or hierarchy dynamics. Almost everyone is friendly and open, staff or attorneys, or they're just introverted and keep to themselves. …”
- “Everyone at Ballard—partners, associates, and staff—are friendly and genuinely enjoy spending time with each other, including at firm-sponsored events and spontaneous lunch outings. The working relationship is also warm, fun, and respectful.”
Diversity at Ballard Spahr
Getting Hired Here
- “Ballard looks for candidates who have the potential for long-term success at the firm: It seeks out summer associates who will hopefully one day be partners at the firm. Law school name and grades are still important pieces of the hiring process, but Ballard pulls from an increasingly diverse mix of law schools and considers factors such as prior work and life experiences that help make a well-rounded candidate. Attorneys engaged in the hiring process receive annual interview training, including training around minimizing bias.”
- “Our firm is looking for a strong academic candidate who has journal experience and who has a personality that will mesh well with our firm culture and firm values.”
- “The firm is not an ‘Ivy-only’ firm, but it favors top 40 schools and top 25% grades. Clerkships are also very helpful. There is a sincere and expansive effort to get diverse candidates. There are definite guidelines for interviewers to ensure respect for other backgrounds and connection across different cultures. Ideal candidate is collegial, somewhat modest, smart, and driven; bombastic and confrontational personalities do not last long.”
- “Because each office is relatively small, the firm is definitely looking for candidates who will ‘fit’ with the office. Grades are important; however, I think it's more important that you demonstrate your willingness and eagerness to work hard and your ability to get along with others. The firm frequently hires from local schools but is open to candidates from anywhere.”
Perks & Benefits