Overview
Introduction
Dechert is a global firm, but its collegial culture seems to create a sense of close community. The firm encourages attorneys to participate in firm citizenship in addition to billable work, offering a STARS award, which includes a bonus, for contributions related to teaching, diversity, and innovation. Dechert is recognized as one of the best law firms for pro bono work, with many hours contributed every year and for which accolades have been conferred.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2024)
No. of Partners Named (2023)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2024)
No. of Summer Associates (2024)
No. of U.S. Offices
Vault Verdict
On the cusp of its 150th anniversary, Dechert has a history of being a great place to do top-quality work with engaged partners for leading compensation. The law school attended, grades, and experience—whether at a journal, clerkship, or another job—impact hiring decisions. Coworkers are friendly and respectful and take a genuine interest in each other. Partners are great teachers and mentors who take the time to provide feedback and show appreciation to associates. Hands-on development of associates seems like a Dechert tenet, and its structured, regular training programs are helpful. Similarly, the lateral integration process is effective. Associate work assignments are challenging and important, offering opportunities for client interaction and pushing one’s self. Projects are ...
Firm's Response
Dechert has built a global platform across 21 locations with a singular focus—delivering the highest-quality advice that is actionable, commercial, and delivered efficiently. Our firm undertakes work for 40 of the “Fortune 100” companies and represents more than 200 private equity and investment firms. We also advise all 10 of the top 10 g...
About the Firm
Since its founding in 1875, Dechert has become a force in the global legal market. In the United States, the firm is known for its work in antitrust, international arbitration, financial services, life sciences, strategic transactions and private equity, litigation, white collar, product liability, real estate, and securities.
Business Savvy
The firm’s long history began with founders who served as U.S. ambassadors and law professors, historic clients such as The Pennsylvania Railroad, and mergers that were influenced by world wars. In the late 1990s, Dechert began reshaping its business model to become more specialized. The firm began focusing on private equity, intellectual property, and white-collar criminal defense. The firm also significantly expanded overseas beginning in the lat...
Associate Reviews
- “Genuinely good people who are smart, helpful, and collegial. Firm-sponsored events with colleagues feel like getting together with old friends.”
- “Dechert's atmosphere is always warm and friendly. Doors are always open, and people spontaneously socialize while getting coffee, grabbing lunch, or walking by. It's a wonderful atmosphere!”
- “In my experience, the culture at Dechert is unique. Everyone at the firm from lawyers to business professionals interact with respect, gratitude, and congeniality.”
- “Everybody here is very kind and understanding. There isn't any kind of unhealthy pressure to socialize either, so the sense of belonging is organic, and you can make what you wish of it.”
Why Work Here
Culture at Dechert
It takes a committed, global team to deliver the excellence in service and innovative thinking our clients expect. Cultivating creativity to harness the very best ideas comes from respecting and valuing everyone’s voice, and creating a shared enjoyment in all that we do. At Dechert, we believe that building community within the workplace and with our clients – whether multinational companies or pro bono causes – is the key to success. It’s about building a firm where people are trusted and empowered to do their very best.
Diversity at Dechert
Getting Hired Here
- “Dechert is looking for candidates with a strong work ethic and meaningful experience. Grades, journal experience, clerkships, and other prior work experiences are all considered.”
- “I think each city has some schools where a lot of associates come from, but there's no single feeder school. We look for people who have good attitudes, are eager to learn, are excited about the work, and will keep the collegial culture strong,”
- “The firm hires candidates from top law schools or top students from local law schools. The firm looks holistically at applicants including grades, journal experience, clerkship experience, and prior work experience.”
- “Dechert targets students from top schools who have demonstrated academic success and have well-rounded experiences outside of law school.”
Perks & Benefits