Overview
Introduction
In contrast to a stuffy BigLaw firm, Quinn Emanuel offers a unique combination of casual and ambitious. Lawyers who work at this top litigation shop are motivated and have the autonomy to manage their workloads and the drive to tackle intense complex matters for hours—all while wearing jeans and flip flops (if they so choose). Quinn Emanuel attorneys are treated to a fully remote, work-from-anywhere policy and have significant opportunities to work in any of their international offices.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2024)
No. of Partners Named (2024)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2023)
No. of Summer Associates (2024)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
In addition to the relaxed dress code and work-from-anywhere policy, Quinn Emanuel associates benefit from excellent rapport with partners, quality assignments, and top compensation. High academic achievers at top law schools, along with hard workers who want to litigate, have the highest likelihood of being hired. Pleasant, supportive coworkers make office settings enjoyable, and a flat hierarchy allows associates to work closely with partners, who are collaborative and generous with their time. This generosity comes in handy because of the dearth of formal training at this firm; partners and senior associates, however, contribute with hands-on guidance and mentorship. Lateral hires must be go-getters and learn by doing because formal integration efforts are limited. Assignments ...
About the Firm
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP has been cultivating the persona of an eccentric genius—shocking the often-staid (i.e., uptight) legal world with its unorthodox approach while impressing it with sweeping successes in the courtroom. This global litigation firm has always had its own style: Partners wear flip-flops, many cases are litigated through an in-house mock trial system before they go to trial, and the firm eschews work from Wall Street banks because it can earn more by suing large financial institutions than by catering to them. Importantly, Quinn Emanuel tries lots of cases and walks away with a win more times than not (86%). Not content with only a high rate of success, Quinn Emanuel also likes to go big, with 4 ten-figure jury verdicts, 7 nine-figure jury verdicts, 51 nine-figure settlements, and 19 ten-figure settlements. I...
Associate Reviews
- “In my experience, the firm's culture is supportive. Senior lawyers seem happy to take the time to teach junior lawyers. Lawyers socialize together after hours. There are numerous affinity groups and support groups. The firm is invested in its employees' well-being—there are regular meditations and yoga groups, for example.”
- “The firm has a very pleasant culture, and lawyers do socialize together. There are not lots of centrally organized activities, but that seems to be the way people prefer it. The ‘work from anywhere’ option has been amazing, but it definitely means there is less social interaction at the office and with others in the firm. Professionally, everyone is courteous, and I enjoy working with them.”
- “Lawyers are friendly and high-energy. Passionate about the work but easy to get along with and open to socializing. Most importantly, senior colleagues give you breathing space to do your work (not micromanage you) and give you real responsibility. The trust is a huge plus.”
- “People are very casual here, and you literally cannot tell associates from partners. Everyone is very chill and down-to-earth in daily interactions. The New York office has weekly happy hours. We also have no dress code (I wear leggings and hoodies whenever I want), and partners show up in graphic t-shirts, blue jeans, and sneakers on a daily basis. Because we eliminated return-to-office requirements, we can come in whenever we want, and everyone (except first years) have their single office. It's not like I love working alone at home every day, but it is a privilege to have the option of staying in.”
Getting Hired Here
- “Definitely high achievers who want to do substantive litigation work. Strong grades from T14 schools are helpful, but the firm takes top candidates from lower-ranked schools as well. Clerkship is a real draw for the firm.”
- “Firm hires summer associates fresh out of law school from only the top schools with great grades. For laterals, pedigree matters significantly less, and experience speaks greater volumes about your chances. Above all, the firm is looking for a certain personality type. High achiever, aptitude for excellent work product, outgoing, intelligent, and generally fun to chat with.”
- “The firm looks for top-tier law school graduates who are ‘go-getters’ and not afraid to dive into complex issues. The firm attracts a lot of candidates from clerkships (like myself) who clerked and really enjoyed the day-to-day work in court.”
- “Besides the usual top tier grades, QE also looks for attorneys who aren't afraid to work hard and play hard, too. QE seems to not favor the usual glamor and prestige of normal BigLaw candidates but likes associates who show a bit of spunk.”
Perks & Benefits