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Overview

Introduction

The opposite of a stuffy BigLaw firm, Quinn Emanuel is a unique combination of casual and ambitious. Lawyers who work at this top litigation shop are independent and motivated, with the autonomy to direct their workloads and the drive to tackle intense hours for complex matters—all while wearing jeans and flip flops (if they so choose). Quinn Emanuel attorneys are treated to a fully remote, work-from-anywhere policy, and have significant opportunities to work in any of their international offices.

Firm Stats


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Total No. Attorneys (2023)

750 - 1K

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No. of Partners Named (2023)

8

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Featured Rankings

Vault Law 100
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No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2023)

60


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No. of Summer Associates (2023)

100 total (89 2Ls; 11 1Ls)


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Base Salary

Base Salary (2023)
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Vault Verdict

As an early adopter of the “work from anywhere” policy, Quinn Emanuel was a pioneer—but it’s also unique in the high-level litigation work its attorneys do. The desire to do litigation work comes up in the hiring process, as do grades, law school attended, and clerkship experience. People enjoy and support each other in pleasant office settings, but social activities are limited with many of the attorneys working remotely. Partners are collaborative and respectful, while firm transparency and communication need improvement. Formal training and mentoring could be improved as well, though associates and laterals get plenty of on-the-job experience. Associates report that most work assignments are challenging to the point of being at or above associates’ experience level. A free mark...

About the Firm

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP has been cultivating the persona of an eccentric genius—shocking the often-staid (OK, uptight) legal world with its unorthodox approach while awing them with sweeping successes in the courtroom. This global litigation firm has always had its own style: Partners wear flip-flops, many cases go through an in-house mock trial system before they go to trial, and the firm eschews work from Wall Street banks because they can earn more by suing large financial institutions than by catering to them. Importantly, Quinn Emanuel tries lots of cases and walks away with a win more times than not (86 percent, to be exact). Not content with just a high rate of success, Quinn Emanuel also likes to go big, with four ten-figure jury verdicts, seven nine-figure jury verdicts, 51 nine-figure settlements, and 20 ten-figure s...

Associate Reviews

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  • “The atmosphere in the office is congenial and kind, and has never felt toxic or competitive. Everyone genuinely seems to enjoy working together, and despite the remote culture, there are plenty of people in the office each day. The firm has done a good job of making remote culture work without, in my experience, hindering workflow, skill development, or career growth.”
  • “The firm has a very pleasant culture and lawyers do socialize together. There are not a lot of centrally-organized activities, but that seems to be the way people prefer it. The ‘work from anywhere’ option has been amazing, but it definitely means there is less social interaction at the office and with others in the firm. Professionally, everyone is courteous and I enjoy working with them.”
  • “The firm has an excellent team culture. Although the hours are tough, there's definitely camaraderie and support from both partners and associates—folks genuinely enjoy each others' company and are always willing to help out when needed. ...”
  • “Everyone is supportive and accommodating. The work-from-anywhere policy is great, but as a junior it creates obstacles navigating the firm. It would be nice to have more opportunities to get to know my colleagues.”

Getting Hired Here

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  • “Definitely high achievers who want to do substantive litigation work. Strong grades from T14 schools are helpful, but the firm takes top candidates from lower-ranked schools as well. Clerkship is a real draw for the firm.”
  • “The firm looks for people who are enthusiastic, easy to get along with, and looking to do trial work. We consider law school attended and grades, but also look at moot court/mock trial experience and personality.”
  • “Smart, competitive go-getters. Almost all the associates come from top law schools. Strong grades matter a lot; so does a demonstrated interest in litigation.”
  • “Besides the usual top-tier grades, QE also looks for attorneys who aren't afraid to work hard and play hard too. QE seems to not favor the usual glamor and prestige of normal BigLaw candidates, but likes associates who show a bit of spunk.”

Perks & Benefits


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