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Overview

Introduction

A top global firm, Allen & Overy handles significant international matters as it continues to grow in the U.S. Associates are treated to a collegial culture, and they appreciate the firm’s Compass program that allows them to receive ongoing feedback.

Firm Stats


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Total No. Attorneys (2023)

3K - 3.5K

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No. of Partners Named (2022)

43

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Featured Rankings

Vault Law 100
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No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2022)

31


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No. of Summer Associates (2023)

49 total (44 2Ls; 3 1Ls; 2 SEO Fellows)


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Base Salary

1st year: $215,000
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Vault Verdict

Despite the challenges of being so large and so global, Allen & Overy has established itself domestically as a great place for associates to work. Recruiting occurs at top law schools and schools local to specific offices, but the firm emphasizes associates who have international experience, have an interest in cross-border work, and are entrepreneurial. Employees are sociable and supportive, collegial and caring, and everyone is treated as an integral part of the team. Partners engage easily and willingly with associates, and are invested in associate development. The firm does training particularly well, highlighted by a week-long course in London for second years and guidance from senior attorneys at every turn. Laterals integrate well through everything from worldwide ...

Firm's Response

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core tenets at Allen & Overy LLP—foremost amongst the firm’s strategic business priorities, and central to the kind of firm we want to be. Global Senior Partner Wim Dejonghe makes explicit that “a lack of diversity stifles innovation and puts a block on creativity. No business that wants to buil...

About the Firm

Allen & Overy—a historically prestigious law firm in the U.K. and a pillar of the vaunted Magic Circle—has grown into one of the largest firms in the world in terms of revenue. From six U.S. locations—Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Washington, DC—and with approximately 300 U.S.-based attorneys—the firm continues to make its imprint on the American map.

Royally Big

Founders George Allen and Thomas Overy left a firm called Roney & Co. to open a shop in London in 1930. It was George Allen’s representation of King Edward VIII during his 1936 abdication to marry American Wallis Simpson that really made the firm’s name (at the time, no scandal was bigger). In the decades that followed, A&O became one of London’s most prominent legal ...

Associate Reviews

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  • “A&O is as good of a workplace as you will find in BigLaw. Colleagues and partners are supportive, and you can maintain a life outside of work while still growing your practice. We definitely socialize amongst each other (in both formal and informal settings), although it's not an everyday thing. More than anything, it's just a pleasant and supportive workplace, which is a rare breed.”  
  • “There is a very good firm culture where everyone is very sociable and approachable. The firm also sponsors after-hours every two weeks for the [Projects, Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure] group in order to create a better bond between the team. Staff and lawyers get along very well, and staff members are considered an integral part of the firm.”
  • “The firm's culture is very collegial and warm. I enjoy working with almost everyone I've met at the firm. Some of my good friends are fellow summer associates from my first days at the firm, and we have grown together and in our careers here. The staff are treated with respect, and I count them among my friends at work as well.”
  • “I've been here for seven years, and find A&O to be a truly great place to work. Everyone is super engaged and social. There are no divisions between lawyers and non-lawyers, which I very much appreciate. Lots of opportunities for folks who like to socialize, but no pressure to do so either. Just generally a fine place to work.”

Why Work Here


 

Allen & Overy has it both ways

Allen & Overy associates frequently evoke not one but two elements of their firm's culture. "Reserved," says a member of the U.S. Law Group in London, "but friendly." Another U.S.-trained attorney in London calls the firm "relaxed and professional." In New York, an associate picks up the thread, labeling the firm "friendly and professional." Still another New Yorker describes the firm as follows: "Friendly, down-to-earth, welcoming, but hard-working and high-achieving."

Diversity at Allen & Overy LLP

"Diversity is one of A&O's strategic business priorities. Our aim is to build an environment where everyone feels supported and comfortable in being open, and where the differences between our people create opportunities not barriers. "A lack of diversity stifles innovation and puts a block on creativity. No business that wants to build a sustainable future can afford to constrain itself in that way. We can't be advanced if we are not diverse. " Wim Dejonghe, Global Senior Partner "We must be intrinsically motivated..."

Getting Hired Here

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  • “A&O is looking for smart, no-nonsense candidates with a practical, commercial outlook.  Being pleasant to work with is important and that's reflect in both incoming summer and junior associates, as well as partner-level hires.” 
  • “We want someone who is sharp, hard-working, and a team player. Interest in cross-border/international work is a major plus. We hire from all of the major law schools you would expect (e.g., T14, regional schools for each office, Howard, etc.).”
  • “Having been actively involved in the hiring process, [I can say] we are much more focused on the individual than on the specific school an applicant may have gone to. That said, grades are important, though a genuine interest and willingness to dig in and work are valued as well. Personality is very important—we are looking for team players and have no time or space for egos.”

Perks & Benefits


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