Overview
Introduction
A litigation powerhouse, appellate all-star, and corporate law force, Gibson Dunn is a Vault top 10 firm with impressive practice and client lists across its 21 worldwide offices. Gibson attracts go-getters who will succeed in the firm’s free market system and integrate with the professional, amiable culture. Attorneys who want to engage in pro bono work, with these hours satisfying billable requirements, will find robust, dynamic opportunities at Gibson Dunn. The firm’s flex-time program with prorated hours and compensation, is attrac...
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2025)
No. of Partners Named (2025)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2025)
No. of Summer Associates (2024)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
Although it can be tough to get hired at Gibson Dunn (the firm hires students from the top of their law school classes), those who join the firm enjoy doing world-class legal work in a free market system. While the firm does not have a formal requirement, it recommends a robust in-office presence and facilitates face time by sponsoring a variety of social events, making the office an enticing place to be. The firm also invests heavily in retreats that bring together associates from across the world. Associate-partner relations and transparency around finances and firm performance are strong, although some associates expressed that there could be more clarity around promotions. The firm has a 1,950 billable hour benchmark, and uncapped pro bono hours count the same as billable hour...
About the Firm
With more than 2,000 attorneys across 10 countries, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher is a force. Among the top firms in the country, Gibson Dunn is well-known for its litigation and trial work—especially its bustling Appellate Litigation and Securities Litigation practices—as well as its top-notch antitrust, M&A, business restructuring and reorganization, white collar, transnational, private equity, tax, and real estate work.
Tinseltown and Beyond
Gibson Dunn was formed through a partnership between John Bicknell and Walter Trask in 1890. Seven years later, Judge James Gibson joined the firm. The trio joined forces with William Dunn, a former Los Angeles city attorney, and Albert Crutcher, a former assistant city attorney, to create the largest law firm in Los Angeles at the time...
Associate Reviews
- “Gibson Dunn provides several opportunities for its lawyers to socialize socially, professionally, and politically. The interactions are a blend of both firm-sponsored and organic. The day-to-day atmosphere is friendly and professional. Lawyers and staff largely interact via email given our hybrid work environment.”
- “There is a weekly Wednesday social hour with snacks and drinks and a theme that changes every week. Lawyers socialize together inside the office and outside of work. Fri...
Why Work Here
A Leader in Every Sense
Gibson Dunn is a full-service global law firm advising on some of today’s most complex and significant matters. We are known for excellence in the practice of law and are committed to providing the very highest level of legal services. We offer unparalleled, innovative thinking for clients with the most challenging needs and aspire to handle all matters as partners with, and not merely as service providers to, our clients.
Gibson Dunn has ten offices in the United States and ten international offices. Despite that geographic spread, we operate as a single, unified law firm. Our attorneys work together in seamless teamwork across borders, jurisdictions and legal disciplines, finding the right combination of talent and resources for each unique matter entrusted to us by our diverse, multinational client base.
Getting Hired Here
- The firm has a reputation for hiring candidates in the top 15% of their class from T20 schools; however, more specific factors vary by office as hiring decisions are ultimately made by partners in each office. Generally, the firm seems to value entrepreneurial or go-getter personality types who are still kind and invested in their community (not a lot of draw for sharp-elbowed types). The firm does provide training for interviewing.”
- “Gibson wants the best and brightest. Self-starter...
Perks & Benefits