Overview
Introduction
Nine hundred lawyers strong with a long list of lauded practice areas, Akin excels at almost everything. Transparent? Check. Making strides in diversity? You bet. Walking the wellness walk? Absolutely. Social types who are down-to-earth will fit in well at the firm. Akin is a leader in lending a helping hand, with attorneys devoting an average of more than 100 hours to pro bono clients per year and over 70% of attorneys participating in pro bono work.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2024)
No. of Partners Named (2024)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2024)
No. of Summer Associates (2024)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
Founded by a pair of FBI agents in 1945, Akin’s culture is described by one of their associates as “really kind nerds.” Partners respect and value associates, and the firm gets high marks for transparency in performance and decision-making. The firm has a bonus-eligible hour requirement of 1,950, and attorneys are encouraged to work a hybrid three-days-per-week in-office schedule. Akin pays top-of-market rates in salaries and bonuses, and quickly adopts new market scales when shifts occur. Work assignments are generally substantive and appropriate to associate experience levels. The firm’s technology is fully supportive of a hybrid work schedule, and most tech works with no issues. The firm offers several initiatives supporting physical and mental health, and while formal training...
About the Firm
Founded in Texas in 1945, Akin has grown to become one of the world’s largest law firms, with more than 900 lawyers across 17 offices around the globe, operating at the intersection of public policy, business, and the law.
From Two to 900+
The Akin story began when former FBI agents Richard Gump and Robert Strauss started up a small legal practice in post-WWII Dallas. Strauss went on to chair the Democratic National Committee and Jimmy Carter’s successful presidential campaign in 1976, and worked for both the Carter and George H.W. Bush administrations. Over the past 75 years, the firm has grown from two lawyers to a global powerhouse with more than 900 lawyers.
One-Stop Shop
Akin is a full-service commercial firm that fo...
Associate Reviews
- “Akin has a great balance of challenging work and easy people to work with. Compared to many stories I have heard from friends at other firms, Akin has a truly positive culture. This is not a ‘mill’ firm but a place where you can grow as an attorney with help from colleagues.”
- “Akin's culture is one of its greatest benefits. Generally speaking, the lawyers here are people that I would not mind spending time with outside of the office. People are warm and friendly, supportive, and committed to attorney development, and the firm is extremely collegial. ...”
- “Firm-sponsored office social events are frequent without an obligation or stigma for not attending. Lawyers socialize outside of work, and lawyers and staff interact frequently.”
- “The firm's culture is a combination of striving for professional excellence while maintaining a collegial work environment, where everyone is approachable and encouraged to share their insights. The firm also sponsors officewide and practice-group-specific social events throughout the year.”
Why Work Here
Our Firm
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading global law firm providing innovative legal services and business solutions to individuals and institutions. We are one of the world’s largest law firms, with more than 900 lawyers and professionals in 21 offices. Our firm’s clients range from individuals to corporations and foreign governments.
We were founded in Texas in 1945 by Robert Strauss and Richard Gump, with the guiding vision that commitment, excellence and integrity would drive the success of the firm. We incorporated those qualities into the firm’s core values as we grew into an international full-service firm positioned at the intersection of commerce, policy and the law. This dedication to the advancement of these values guides relationships within the firm and, most importantly, with its clients.
Diversity at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Getting Hired Here
- “Looking for intelligent, well-credentialed candidates who will fit in with the firm's culture of being down-to-earth, respectful, kind, and willing to learn from everyone around you (not just partners).”
- “Akin looks to hire lawyers/law students who are interested in being at the firm for the long term—that means seeking out candidates who are knowledgeable about the firm and who are interested in a career in BigLaw.”
- “Schools and grades matter but only to an extent. What we are really looking for are people ready to take ownership of their work and their career.”
- “I believe the firm is looking for intelligent, open-minded, organized, and detail-oriented candidates who value self-improvement as well as being a valuable team member to accomplish larger goals.”
Perks & Benefits