Overview
Introduction
Founded in 1938, Benesch is one of Cleveland's most notable law firms, but it has expanded beyond its Midwest roots to provide legal services coast to coast. The firm's core practice areas include corporate & securities, commercial finance & banking, healthcare, IP, labor & employment, litigation, and real estate. The firm counsels clients across more than 20 industries. The firm takes training seriously, and associates appreciate the transparency into career development at the firm.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2023)
No. of Partners Named (2024)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2024)
No. of Summer Associates (2024)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
Benesch is a rapidly growing firm seeking to aggressively expand to keep up with its ballooning book of business in the Chicago and Midwest markets. The culture is friendly, collegial, and committed to both hard work and balance. Partners are very invested in associate success and treat them well, and the firm is generally transparent about most areas of associate concern. The firm’s billable hour requirement of 1,900 is on the low end, and associates feel fairly compensated in light of this. Work is substantive and generally appropriate to experience level, and the best way to summarize how well the technology works is that most associates never notice any problems with it. The firm offers some wellness initiatives, with associates keen to highlight and credit the firm’s support ...
About the Firm
Founded in 1938, Benesch is one of Cleveland's most notable law firms. The firm has been recognized for its corporate, health care, and real estate work.
Midwest Roots and Worldwide Growth
Cleveland attorneys Alfred Benesch, Jerome Friedlander, and I. Robert Morris founded the firm nearly 80 years ago at the tail end of the Depression. Benesch, a prominent player in Cleveland's political arena, had served as judge of Cleveland's police court, a city council member, and State Director of Commerce. He was also heavily involved in area schools as a member of Cleveland's board of education—a local elementary school was eventually named after him. Robert Coplan joined the firm after serving as a naval aviator during World War II and built up the firm's tax practice. In 1...
Associate Reviews
- “Work hard and have fun. Frequent firm-sponsored social events. Relaxed atmosphere where you are treated like an adult.”
- “Daily interaction with attorneys and staff. Attorneys and staff interact frequently. Day-to- day atmosphere is busy but collegial.”
- “Benesch could not have a better culture, in my opinion. Culture and firm values are what Benesch prides itself on. I feel supported, happy, and motivated to work.”
- “Everyone is very cordial, polite, and inclusive. We have sponsored events and impromptu get-togethers that allow for socializing across practice groups.”
Why Work Here
Benesch offers a close-knit community where you can bring your authentic self to work each day. Our explosive growth and mid-sized position in the market creates opportunities to serve national, name brand clients while receiving individualized training and mentorship to fuel your growth. Our entrepreneurial culture means new ideas are welcome, hard work is recognized and rewarded, and associates can drive change and make an impact. Our investment in a dedicated integration manager assigned to each new lawyer further emphasizes our commitment to maintain a workplace where every team member can grow and thrive. Our above industry average lawyer retention rate demonstrates that lawyers come to Benesch to stay, many citing our culture, substantive work opportunities, focus on professional development, and flexible career paths.
Getting Hired Here
- “The firm may not be as big as some of the others in our Chicago market, but it is competitive in its hiring process and looks for and requires most of the same requirements as other large prestigious law firms. And is able to get those candidates.”
- “I think Benesch strives to find well-rounded candidates, and I think that has effectively contributed to our firm culture.
- “Grades and school matter, but I believe the firm places a lot of emphasis on fit. They're looking for people who will be good colleagues and help sustain the great culture that has been in place at the firm for years. This is especially important as the firm continues to grow.”
- “Hiring has been a big part of Benesch's expansion. The key part of it seems to be hiring attorneys who are culture fits and come from impressive backgrounds. It shows in the composition of the work force.”
Perks & Benefits