Overview
Introduction
As an elite firm with 13 global offices and approximately 1,200 attorneys, Willkie seeks top talent—but the firm is careful to hire only those who will contribute positively to the culture. Associates get to work on high quality projects without the pressure of meeting billable hour targets, all while being paid exceptionally well and treated with respect from the top down.
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)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
Willkie Farr is a full-service firm that represents big name clients and expects its associates to provide excellent client service. Having top grades at a top school may get you an interview, but the firm wants associates who fit the culture by being collaborative, friendly, and respectful, in addition to being smart. Willkie’s culture is genuine, where socialization is fun, personal time is respected, and doors are open for a casual chat or to ask for guidance on a task. Partners and senior associates take the time to mentor lateral and junior associates and are respectful with assignments and deadlines. Training at the firm is plentiful, and mentorship happens naturally and organically, although formal mentoring programs do exist. Associates appreciate the firm does not impose ...
About the Firm
One of the New York elites, Willkie is home to more than 500 attorneys in New York. In addition to its home in the Big Apple, the firm has offices in Chicago, DC, Houston, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, and San Francisco, plus six locations across Europe. The firm is known for its work in antitrust, insurance, M&A, private equity, restructuring, and securities litigation, among other areas.
On Broadway
In 1888, four lawyers planted roots on a little street called Broadway in New York City, naming the firm Hornblower & Byrne. Toward the end of the 19th century, the firm picked up a new name partner who would shape the next 40 years: William W. Miller. During the Miller years, the firm added attorneys of influence to its ranks (including future Supreme Court justice Felix Frankf...
2025 Vault Rankings
Associate Reviews
- “Lawyers socialize together quite frequently, at both firm-sponsored events and after hours, at least once a week. I consider numerous colleagues to be my friends. Almost everyone at Willkie will tell you that the highlight of working for the firm is ‘the people.’ Everyone is smart, yet very down to earth and social.”
- “Culture is friendly, social, and collegial. We all work hard, and standards are very high, but at the same time, people are all super nice to each other; great relationships; people ask about each other's families, and actually care what the answers are; etc.”
- “The firm's climate is genuinely impressive. Everyone seems to actually enjoy being around each other, and this is obvious from how fun and natural people are when interacting with each other. This also extends to interactions with non-attorney staff. The culture of Willkie is hands down my favorite aspect of the firm.”
- “Good culture. No sharp elbows. Lawyers enjoy seeing each other. There's a bit of after-hours socialization.”
Why Work Here
At Willkie, people are our most valued asset. From the day you start at the Firm as a young lawyer, you are an integral part of the Willkie community and, whether you choose to remain here for the rest of your career or decide to move on to other endeavors, you will always be a part of the Willkie family.
There are many reasons to work at Willkie. At its simplest, our fundamental goal is to provide our attorneys with the highest-quality training, early responsibility and the opportunity to work on challenging and cutting-edge matters in a collaborative environment where people genuinely get along with each other.
Diversity at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Getting Hired Here
- “Someone who is smart, ambitious, a go-getter, and fits in with the firm culture.”
- “Willkie has a pretty diverse associate class, with what seems to be an emphasis on respectful, teamwork-oriented lawyers that are collaborative and hard workers. Willkie strongly emphasizes its culture of collaboration and respect at all levels, among attorneys and staff.”
- “The firm takes a holistic view of every candidate to see if the candidate can complement Willkie's community, and excel at their career.”
- “People at the firm, in general, seem to be nice and collaborative, so people who are very competitive or cutthroat would not be compatible with the firm. Law school is important. Most of the summer associates and law clerks went to T14 schools.”
Perks & Benefits