This firm prides itself on its cordial culture and world-class client base. Kindness is encouraged and dedication to client demands is required. The firm hires top graduates from the best schools who have shown drive or have unique work experience that may benefit a particular practice area. Partners model respect and are happy to provide professional guidance and career advice. Most associates appreciate the firm’s market-leading, lock-step compensation system and lack of a billable hour requirement, and while the firm does not offer financial incentive for top-billing associates, most associates feel the lowered pressure during any slow periods is a fair trade off. Despite the lack of a billable hour, workloads are generally as high as at peer firms, but associates enjoy working with prestigious clients on cutting edge work. The firm’s centralized assignment system is praised for facilitating equitable assignment distribution—as much as is possible—and allowing associates to explore and hone their preferred areas of interest. Associates also appreciate the cafeteria with in-office delivery, helpful IT department, and efforts by management to improve the firm’s technology. While partnership is considered a long shot for most, associates appreciate this firm's commitment to helping them navigate their career direction within the firm and beyond, including prospects at in-house, regulatory, and government jobs, depending on their practice area. $215k-$415k