Logo

Overview

Introduction

Schulte Roth & Zabel attracts associates who are social and hardworking, and it is a great fit for those interested in the financial services industry. The firm has a history of taking on high-profile pro bono matters and hasn’t wavered in its pro bono commitment.

Firm Stats


More

Total No. Attorneys (2023)

250 - 500

More

No. of Partners Named (2023)

8

More

Featured Rankings

Vault Law 100
img


More

No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2023)

47


More

No. of Summer Associates (2023)

60 total (55 2Ls; 5 1Ls)


More

Base Salary

1st year: $215,000
img

Vault Verdict

Though small in size by BigLaw standards, Schulte Roth & Zabel is big and does well in many areas. Associates come from T14 law schools and others near its NYC hub, and should have engaging personalities. Some corporate or funds experience is helpful. Office settings are friendly and familial, people enjoy socializing together, and staff is held in high regard. Partners work well with associates, include them in decision making, and care about teaching them. Formal training at the firm is robust, but nothing replaces hands-on learning and in-person guidance from more experienced attorneys. Work assignments for associates are level appropriate, with opportunities to take on higher-level projects and engage with clients. A central assigning system facilitates the fair distri...

About the Firm

Among the New York elite, Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP has defined itself as the go-to firm for hedge funds and their ilk. While this practice focus translates into double-digit profits and aggressive growth during boom years, the firm has grown organically over the years.

Hedging Their Niche

Schulte was founded in 1969 by a group of young BigLaw associates—most from Cleary and Fried Frank—who wanted to escape the traditional BigLaw model. The firm found its place by working in areas that were mostly ignored by the big firms, like trusts and estates and the burgeoning field of hedge fund law, and soon was attracting clients like the Rockefeller and Lehman families. Bill Zabel—who had written the winning brief in the landmark Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia on behalf of the AC...

Associate Reviews

info

  • “The culture at Schulte is exceptionally friendly, and it sometimes feels like a big work family. Associates regularly socialize outside of work, informally, and through formal firm-sponsored happy hours. The firm goes out of its way to hire friendly people, and that is absolutely reflected in the culture. I have heard anecdotally several times, from people who lateraled to other firms or joined Schulte from another firm, that people at Schulte are generally much more social than at the other firm.”
  • “Social, supportive, professional, grounded, down-to-earth, fun, happy. Attorneys enjoy socializing, but it is low pressure. People are fairly laid back and understanding on an interpersonal level, but are also very hardworking and impressive attorneys.”
  • “Extremely polite, hardworking, collegial, and respectful. This certainly applies to the relationship among lawyers, but even more so between lawyers and staff. This is a very good group of people.”
  • “People here are definitely friends with their coworkers. The casual dress code adds to the casual nature of the firm—we're lawyers doing important work, but no one here takes themselves too seriously. Because of the small size of the firm, staff are greatly integrated, and everyone has a positive relationship with each other.”

Why Work Here


Diversity at Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP

"SRZ is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in all areas of the firm's operations, from recruitment and retention to promotion and leadership. A diverse group of talented lawyers and staff is vital to the success of our firm. Diversity makes us more creative and effective, bringing together varied perspectives, experiences and backgrounds that result in a stronger workplace and better client service. Leadership Matters SRZ's Diversity & Inclusion Committee drives the firm's diversity initiatives relating to..."

Getting Hired Here

info

  • “The firm cares a lot about personality. Like many other V100 firms, we primarily look for candidates from the top law schools. Especially because our primary office is in NYC, however, we also hire many people from solid NY schools that aren't quite T14, and even some people from schools not ranked very highly. Also, people who want to do corporate work might have a leg up in terms of being able to come from a less highly ranked school.”
  • “Smart, but also friendly people. The firm tends to hire a lot from T14 schools, NY area schools, and HBCUs. The firm has mandatory trainings for interviewers every year, and guidelines.”
  • “We are definitely competitive, and get great candidates. Yes, we have firm training for interviewers. I think they are generally looking for candidates who are upbeat, and have strong social skills.”
  • “Specific and clear interest in the firm is very helpful. Knowledge of the funds world is not required, but definitely would not hurt. Personality fit and enthusiasm matter.”

Perks & Benefits


Circle icon
Circle icon
Circle icon
Circle icon
Circle icon
Circle icon