Overview
Introduction
Handling cases that often make front page headlines, WilmerHale is a litigation superstar, with particular strength in intellectual property. The firm boasts a respectful culture where associates feel supported by partners and have the resources they need to soar with high-level matters. The firm has a deeply-rooted commitment to pro bono, and opportunities to dive headfirst into meaningful projects are around every corner. WilmerHale associates value the people they work with, the firm’s culture, and the efforts to promote work-life b...
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2023)
No. of Partners Named (2023)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2023)
No. of Summer Associates (2023)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
If you want to work at WilmerHale, top grades, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to excel are a must, but the firm doesn’t limit itself to candidates from top law schools. Instead, WilmerHale wants to hire people who fit the firm culture. Clerkships and prior work experience also help you get a foot in the door. Lawyers value the social nature of the firm and the fact that work-life balance is supported and respected. While there is a hierarchy at the firm, it isn’t hierarchical, with partners and senior associates taking the time to work with and develop junior associates. Partners are accessible and open to collaboration and discussion around performance. The firm is transparent regarding decision-making, and associates have a communication task force to openly discuss any is...
About the Firm
With 1,000 lawyers across the U.S., Asia, and Europe, WilmerHale is a litigation powerhouse, known especially for its work in IP, securities, and appellate litigation, as well as its life sciences and technology experience. The firm counsels in a range of industries, including aviation; big data; education; energy, environment, and natural resources; financial services; health care; insurance; media and entertainment; national security; professional services; and technology.
Beantown Meets the Beltway
WilmerHale was formed in 2004 when Hale and Dorr LLP and Wilmer Cutler Pickering LLP joined forces. Legacy firm Hale & Dorr dated back to 1918. Among other things, the firm was known for its work in government matters. Firm lawyer Joseph Welch represented the U.S. Army in th...
2024 Vault Rankings
Associate Reviews
- “We have a collegial culture where people genuinely want to help one another. It is filled with a lot of smart people who believe all can benefit long term if we help each other. There's a lot of communication between practice groups, including corporate, tax, real estate, employment, regulatory, and IP.”
- “The atmosphere is very laid back, collaborative, and social. Due to the firm's remote work policy, there are not always lots of people in the office, but whoever is around is usually happy to take a moment to say hi, catch up, etc. The firm also hosts regular social events at the office, which are usually well attended.”
- “There are lots of opportunities to socialize with my colleagues, both in firm sponsored settings and after hours. Everyone is extremely nice, and we all enjoy laughing together and being kind. There is plenty to talk about that isn't related to work, so that is nice. ...”
- “The vast majority of my interactions have been overwhelmingly positive. People are friendly and helpful. Everyone respects everyone, from the building staff all the way up to the Managing Partner.”
Why Work Here
WilmerHale is committed to providing consistently world-class legal services and we pride ourselves on finding innovative solutions to complex problems that require us to draw on our full range of knowledge and experience. We foster a work environment that is deeply rooted in our mission to provide unparalleled, high quality service to our clients. In an effort to continuously develop and support our workforce, we provide extensive in-house and external training opportunities and actively promote the overall well-being of every individual in the WilmerHale community.
Diversity at WilmerHale
Getting Hired Here
- “I believe the firm looks for well-rounded candidates who have a sense of intellectual curiosity, embody a commitment to excellence, value diversity and inclusivity, and see pro bono service as part of their duties as a lawyer. I think it also matters that a candidate presents as a whole person who generally cares about others. Attending a top law school is not a requirement for working at the firm.”
- “The firm is looking for candidates who want to excel and are eager to learn. Clerkships are a major plus factor for candidates, though there are plenty of attorneys here who have not clerked.”
- “Wilmer wants great people, but I don't think they are obsessed with the prestige of schools the attorneys come from. They seem to care more about excellence and kindness, which I appreciate. We don't want to hire people who are jerks.”
Perks & Benefits
