Overview
Introduction
Dorsey & Whitney was founded more than 100 years ago and has expanded from its original office in Minneapolis to 20 U.S. and international offices, including ones in Canada, Europe, and Asia. Beyond providing a full range of legal services, Dorsey has a strong pro bono presence and has been recognized for diversity efforts. Many notable judicial and political figures have passed through the firm’s doors.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2022)
No. of Partners Named (2022)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2022)
No. of Summer Associates (2022)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
Top grades are critical to be considered for a spot at Dorsey & Whitney LLP, although GPA isn’t all that matters. The firm seeks team players with tremendous work ethic who also value giving back. The firm has a professional, welcoming environment. While some social events are available, Dorsey isn’t a work hard/play hard type of place. Associates feel supported in their development, with clear expectations for each class level. They also feel respected by the partnership and appreciate the mentoring available. The firm regularly shares information on firm performance and financials with associates, which they appreciate. Work can ebb and flow, as is par for the course in most legal practices. When it comes to compensation, some are pleased with the firm’s recent salary ra...
About the Firm
Hailing from Minneapolis, Dorsey & Whitney LLP is an international law firm with over 575 lawyers working across 14 domestic and six international offices. Dorsey has more than 60 practice areas and serves clients in nearly all industries—six of which the firm focuses on in great depth: banking and financial institutions; development and infrastructure; energy and natural resources; food, beverage, and agribusiness; healthcare; and technology.
Reputable Ranks
Dorsey & Whitney was founded in 1912 when William Lancaster, a prominent Minneapolis lawyer, joined forces with David Simpson, a Minnesota Supreme Court justice. The name Dorsey became connected with the firm in 1913 when James Dorsey joined as an associate. He took the reins after Lancaster and Simpson passed away...
2025 Vault Rankings
Associate Reviews
- “Polite and professional.”
- “The culture of the firm is very professional, and people are generally very welcoming in the office. The social scene outside of work hours is limited.”
- “My department offers regular lunches, and there are firmwide holiday events sporadically throughout the year. There are also opportunities for rec sports that are firm sponsored.”
Culture & Inclusion at Dorsey & Whitney LLP
"We are proud of the progress we have made during the last year: • In August of 2019, Dorsey was one of the first AmLaw 100 firms to implement a Diversity Hours Policy. Under Dorsey's Diversity Hours Policy, attorneys receive credit for up to 50 hours of qualifying diversity activities towards an attorney's billable hour's requirement. The number of hours devoted to diversity initiatives increased by 301% from 2018 to 2019. In addition, the total diversity hours recorded by male attorneys increased from 126 hours at the..."
Getting Hired Here
- “Grades and work experience are highest priority, but many other factors (including fit and culture) are considered.”
- “The firm prioritizes grades, has close relationships with major Midwest schools, and draws from more prestigious coastal schools as well.”
- “Our firm looks for not only excellent candidates but people who genuinely believe in pro bono work and are team players. Hard work, kindness, and generosity are very important factors in hiring.” ...
Perks & Benefits