Overview
Introduction
Ogletree Deakins is a labor & employment powerhouse, representing a range of clients from small businesses to Fortune 50 companies. The firm’s work—which is not limited to labor & employment—is fast-paced and interesting for its attorneys. Founded by 16 attorneys in the Southern U.S., Ogletree Deakins has grown in both size and footprint over the last 40-plus years and is now home to over 900 attorneys in 53 offices worldwide.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2021)
No. of Partners Named (2021)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2020)
No. of Summer Associates (2021)
No. of U.S. Offices
Vault Verdict
Ogletree Deakins likes to hire attorneys with prior work experience—often in labor and employment—and who share a similar outlook on doing great work while maintaining a work-life balance. The attorneys value regular interactions with their coworkers, resulting in a collegial environment across the firm, where associates feel respected and valued by most partners. Formal training is provided in the form of a “university” with content on a wide range of topics, and associates find the partners are good at providing informal mentoring. Reviews are conducted annually, with some offices offering quarterly check-ins as well, which are appreciated. The workloads often ebb and flow, which can be daunting—especially with a billable-hour requirement—but the work is challenging and interest...
About the Firm
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart P.C. is a premier labor and employment law firm. The firm boasts 53 offices across the globe, including in Canada, Europe, Mexico, and the U.S.
Founded for Workers
Ogletree Deakins was founded in 1977 with just 16 attorneys who came together to focus on labor and employment law, representing management in Greenville, South Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia. While the firm maintains offices in these two original outposts, Ogletree Deakins has grown to become a force comprising more than 900 attorneys across six countries.
Clients First
Ogletree Deakins has experienced professionals in all areas of labor and employment law, from traditional labor issues to employment litigation t...
Associate Reviews
- “Firmwide, there is a culture of in-person interactions. Office-wide, we are often too busy to make that happen as often as we'd like, but attorneys seem to genuinely enjoy socializing together when we're able.”
- “Our office is very collegial. For the most part, everyone is very respectful. There are exceptions, of course, but at least within our city, I think it's the healthiest culture you'll find in an L&E firm.”
- “Lawyers interact often during work hours. There are a ton of firm events sponsored as brown bags, luncheons, and MCLE trainings. Because of COVID-19, the firm has suspended all in person meetings, but still holds happy hours virtually. … Day to day, everyone is working remotely, and I interact with at least 3-4 people daily via Zoom or Teams video calls. So, the day-to-day work can feel a little alienating at times, but that is due to the pandemic, not the firm’s doing.”
- “Lawyers and staff work together very well. Perhaps there is some disconnect between attorneys and staff as far as socializing, but everyone is cordial, and people jump in to help or stop by to say hello regularly.”
Diversity at Ogletree Deakins
Getting Hired Here
- “The firm hires hardworking and smart attorneys with a strong background in labor and employment. Almost as important, however, is a candidate's personality. One thing that I love about our office is the group of attorneys—they are just good people through and through. Everyone seems to understand that, so they have made it a priority to hire attorneys who will add to that atmosphere while doing great work.”
- “Firm looks for lateral hires as opposed to new attorneys. Values prior experience and foundational tools.”
- “The firm does a good job of diversifying the law schools from which it hires attorneys. Work ethic and work experience are probably the most important factors, but it likely depends on which office is doing the hiring.”
- “Our firm is always looking for highly-motivated individuals. From my observations, level of experience prior to joining varies, but many who are hired have the same outlook on work, business development and work-life balance."
Perks & Benefits