Overview
Introduction
Since its establishment in Silicon Valley in 1972, Fenwick has been a go-to firm for technology and life sciences companies. Clients such as Meta, Amazon, and eBay have called on firm attorneys to take advantage of their corporate, M&A, intellectual property, and initial public offering expertise. High-caliber clients and continuous innovation to meet their needs make Fenwick a desirable place to work. High-value rewards such as extra bonuses and trips to exotic vacation condos demonstrate that associates are appreciated for th...
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
Fenwick is the OG of Silicon Valley, where in 1972, four guys from NY decided to follow the clientele and open a technology firm in Palo Alto. Representing big-name clients means associates have to possess an interest or background in tech and life sciences along with top grades. Fenwick wants to attract the right type of associate because the firm is a place where people wear hoodies and work hard, and happy attitudes prevail. Everyone works together with a loose hierarchy to deliver exceptional service to clients. Partners have open doors and willingly provide associates with feedback. The firm is busy, but long hours with friendly colleagues and flexibility regarding where work happens make working at Fenwick desirable. Associates receive market compensation and receive higher ...
About the Firm
Known for its innovative work with technology and life sciences companies, Fenwick is home to nearly 500 attorneys in seven offices. The firm has grown beyond Silicon Valley to three other locations in California and has established a presence in Seattle and New York, a relatively new outfit in Washington, DC, and an international office in Shanghai.
The Founding
In 1972, four attorneys left New York City for Palo Alto, California, because they recognized that the recently named Silicon Valley would become the tech epicenter of the world. This shared vision was the basis for their new law firm.
Only four years after its founding, Fenwick retained future tech icons Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak as clients, eventually helping them incorporate Apple Computer—o...
Associate Reviews
- “Lawyers socialize both formally and informally every day. They understand that life outside of the firm is important, and we are encouraged to be as involved as we feel comfortable with. As first years, we are taught to be especially respectful to staff.”
- “We have weekly lunch in the office, we also have occasional happy hours as well. It’s a really fun place to be, I am thriving more than I would at any other firm!”
- “Super laid back and friendly culture. I’ve made...
Why Work Here
Established in 1972, Fenwick works closely with technology and life science companies that are changing the world through innovation. The firm has over five decades of experience solving the business challenges that arise at the intersection of technology and the law.
We seek to form effective partnerships with our clients and to provide superior client service. Many of our clients have exceeded their expectations in creating and building successful enterprises; we strive to do the same in the lawyering we provide for our clients. It is important that we not only provide first-rate innovative legal services, but that we also serve as powerful business partners for our clients.
Learn more about Fenwick: fenwick.com
Industry Focus: fenwick.com/industries
About Us: fenwick.com/firm
Careers at Fenwick: fenwick.com/careers/students
Fenwick Insights: fenwick.com/insights
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Culture & Inclusion at Fenwick
"Advancing the cause of diversity and inclusion has been a core value since the firm was founded in 1972, and Fenwick has been routinely acknowledged as one of the best firms in the country on the issue of diversity and inclusion. It is ranked among the top 15 U.S. law firms in The American Lawyer’s 2023 Diversity Scorecard. It was one of the first 30 law firms to pilot Diversity Lab’s Mansfield Rule, earning the rigorous certification for affirmatively considering women and diverse candidates for recruitment, equity partner promotions and..."
Getting Hired Here
- “We're looking for law school students who are entrepreneurial, and have a demonstrated interest in technology or life sciences. We also like students who demonstrate that they can navigate the free-market assignment system.”
- “The firm considers a wide range of factors. Recent hiring decisions have strongly favored people with industry experience before becoming lawyers, and other non-traditional life experiences.”
- “The firm looks for top-tier and diverse candid...
Perks & Benefits