Overview
Introduction
Pillsbury is composed of genuinely caring people, and associates can commit to interesting work from day one. “Super bonuses” are perks for those who excel. The BOSS Lab represents only one of the firm’s impressive commitments to diversity.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2024)
No. of Partners Named (2024)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2023)
No. of Summer Associates (2024)
No. of U.S. Offices
Vault Verdict
Pillsbury has expanded far beyond its California roots, but associates say the firm has not lost its California feel. Pillsbury has a global reach and an elite client base but is not snobby when it comes to hiring; while there is a profound T14 alumni presence, the firm is focused on finding well-rounded and friendly candidates. Associates appreciate the firm’s collaborative culture, which is fostered by an effective open-door policy at all levels. Many say the firm feels like family, in large part, because of its deliberately conservative recruiting practices, which lead to smaller associate classes that allow deeper connections to form. Another benefit of inviting fewer associates is the high partner-to-associate ratio that immediately gives new associates access to experienced ...
About the Firm
With 700 attorneys and 19 offices around the world, Pillsbury is truly a global firm. With six of its offices based in the Golden State, however, the firm maintains the laid-back vibes of its West Coast roots.
Giants Combined
Pillsbury dates back to 1868, when Elihu Root opened a New York practice that would later become Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts. Root was known for his positions as Secretary of State and Secretary of War in the early 1900s.
Meanwhile, in 1874, Evans S. Pillsbury opened a practice on the West Coast. Pillsbury represented a local banking and delivery service called Wells Fargo and a nascent California oil outfit that would eventually become Chevron; these two clients are still represented by the firm today.
In 2001, ...
Associate Reviews
- “The office has an open-door policy, and I generally pop into a colleague's or partner's office if I have a question regarding an assignment or for general work advice. The firm has happy hours every couple of weeks on our terrace. There is no pressure to attend, and I make determinations to attend based on my workload at the time. The happy hours are great opportunities to mingle with other practice sections that you might not regularly interact with or to chat with partners and associates you would like to work with.”
- “While it differs between offices and practices, there is a lot of organic social interaction day-to-day (associates often sit down to eat lunch together and partners will join on occasion) and special occasions (such as welcome and farewell happy hours, big event celebrations such as passing the bar and birthdays). There's also continued firm-sponsored efforts to expand the interactions, including regular practice section lunches and officewide happy hours). Collegial (although often cited) is a good word for the office, as it balances professional interactions (development, standards of performance, etc.) and the social/community aspect (friendly, warm, welcoming, and supportive).”
- “It varies by practice group, but attorneys are generally friendly, supportive, and above all, good team members. There's a strong culture of informal mentorship, and anyone who makes an effort to learn and grow will be supported. We value all members of our team, from managing partners to reception. I feel comfortable approaching any attorney with questions (and every senior partner has been open and receptive to conversations about work product, mentorship, or just chatting, in my experience).”
- “My office, and my group in particular, is very congenial. We have weekly office-wide lunches (obviously a lure to get people back in the office, but it is appreciated and a good thing, nonetheless). I generally have no clue what most people's politics are—and even with those who I can tell which way they lean, it’s just not a topic of discussion in the office, which is nice. The day-to-day atmosphere is friendly and supportive. There are no toxic personalities in the office.”
Why Work Here
Every day at Pillsbury, we work on ground-breaking, high-profile matters for some of the world’s most innovative companies from start-ups to the Fortune 100. Every day, we confront some of the most meaningful legal challenges of our time. Every day, we take on pro bono cases that change lives and frame important social issues.
This is a place where initiative is valued and rewarded, where self-starters become team players, and where continual growth—both professional and personal—underscores every successful career.
At the Office
At Pillsbury, we work hard—as hard as any group of lawyers, anywhere. But “group” is the key word. In any Pillsbury office, it is collaboration that defines our work lives.
While each of our offices has its own personality, we believe our core values and basic procedures are shared firmwide. The aim is to ensure that lawyers from different practice areas—and from all levels—can pool their efforts in providing the best service to our clients.
Diversity at Pillsbury
Getting Hired Here
- “I think all of the usual metrics are important (grades, work, etc.) and looked at holistically. The firm is also certainly making a concerted effort to develop more diverse recruiting pipelines by reaching out to new schools directly and starting a 1L summer program. At the interview stage, however, there is a huge premium put on personality and behavioral qualities, like genuineness, humility, curiosity, accountability, etc.”
- “The firm appears to emphasize experience and ability to contribute over law school pedigree, though there is a strong T14 presence in all offices. There are good lateral opportunities for law clerks.”
- “Pillsbury hires very few people, so most attorneys tend to stay at Pillsbury—attrition is low. Feeder schools are typically local top 14 schools near the office. Ideal candidates are those with an entrepreneurial attitude and are self-starters—candidates who have taken gap years or have a nontraditional path to law are also highly valued for their transferable skills.”
Perks & Benefits