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Overview

Introduction

Carter Ledyard has been part of the New York City legal scene since 1854 and counts Franklin D. Roosevelt as a firm alum. While many of its legal projects involve its home city, the firm also offers legal counsel to international companies wishing to do business in the U.S. The firm advises clients ranging from financial institutions to medical and biotech companies, to alternative energy companies, high-net-worth individuals and families, and more on a range of legal issues.

Firm Stats


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Total No. Attorneys (2023)

50 - 100

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No. of Partners Named (2022)

6

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Featured Rankings

Top 150 Under 150
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No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2022)

3


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Base Salary

1st year: $150,000


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No. of U.S. Offices

2

Vault Verdict

If you’re interested in a firm with lots of history and positive quality of life, take a close look at Carter Ledyard. The culture is very social, with frequent happy hours and firm-sponsored events, and the day-to-day environment is collegial and pleasant. Partners treat associates fairly and go out of their way to help them, though some associates would appreciate greater transparency about firm decisions. Associates are very happy with the flexibility that the lower-than-average billable hour expectation affords them, enough to be content with slightly-below-market compensation. Additionally, the firm offers a unique monthly bonus for high billers, although 200 hours in one month is hard to pull off. Associates quickly receive substantive work that is appropriate to their exper...

About the Firm

Founded and headquartered on Wall Street since 1854, Carter Ledyard & Milburn is a New York City law firm through and through. Franklin D. Roosevelt was an associate at Carter Ledyard before he became Governor of New York and President of the United States. The firm prides itself on its self-described "can do," "get the deal done" philosophy.

Committed to the City

 As a historically New York City firm, Carter Ledyard remains committed to its home base. The firm helped to refinance bonds as part of the World Trade Center Project to rebuild Ground Zero, counseled the Battery Park City Corporation in the renovation of one of the only historic piers left in Manhattan, and has done pro bono work for New Yorkers for Parks regarding land protection issues. Sev...

Associate Reviews

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  • “We have frequent firm events for the entire staff as well as just for associates. We have regular lunches and other firm-sponsored events.”
  • “The day-to-day atmosphere is very pleasant. Attorneys interact politely with other attorneys and with staff.  There are firm-sponsored events, including CLE lunches and volunteering.”
  • “Relaxed, casual, flexible, friendly, professional. Despite such a long history, the firm is not at all stodgy or unhip.”
  • “Lots of firm-sponsored events (mostly for associates). Overall pleasant and sociable culture while maintaining professionalism.”

Why Work Here


Carter Ledyard successfully combines a sophisticated, full-service Wall Street legal practice with a collaborative environment where friendliness and professionalism are compatible. We have a diverse and international clientele, with substantial portions of the firm’s matters coming from overseas-based clients and their U.S. affiliates, financial institutions and other financial services providers, governmental entities, industrial and technology companies and affluent individuals and families. Our international focus is exemplified by our commitment to provide a Gateway to America® for our foreign clients. Our association with the Meritas® and Legalink legal networks provides us with access to capable and knowledgeable colleagues in the U.S. and around the world and allows us to assist those colleagues with their New York based matters.

Diversity at CARTER LEDYARD & MILBURN LLP

"The Firm recognizes that the unique experience, skills and perspectives of attorneys from a variety of backgrounds, including those from different genders, gender identities, race, nationalities, ethnicities, socioeconomic status, religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, marital status and physical or mental abilities strengthen our organization and help us provide the most effective legal representation for our clients. The Firm is committed to the recruitment, retention and advancement of lawyers from all backgrounds and works to..."

Getting Hired Here

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  • “I believe that the firm is looking for candidates who may perform well and at the same well integrate with legal and non-legal staff. Besides proving to be hard-working professionals, the firm cares about interpersonal relationships and creating a professional but friendly work environment.”
  • “I believe the firm has a balanced, holistic hiring philosophy.”
  • “Our firm is looking for positive attorneys who enjoy their work and genuinely want to help their clients. The firm values individuals who pursue their interests and add to the value of the firm by increasing practice areas and awareness of various legal topics. There are guidelines, trainings, and suggestions for those who interview.”
  • “This firm likes to look at candidates from NYC law schools with strong academic success (i.e., high GPA, law review).”

Perks & Benefits


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