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Overview

Introduction

Shearman & Sterling offers high-level legal work coupled with supportive teammates and strong mentorship. For those seeking international experience, the firm’s global presence means exciting cross-border work and travel opportunities. Associates appreciate the collegial nature of the firm and the respect shown to them by leadership.

Firm Stats


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Total No. Attorneys (2022)

750 - 1K

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No. of Partners Named (2022)

22

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Featured Rankings

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

52


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No. of Summer Associates (2023)

70 total (64 2Ls; 6 1Ls)


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Base Salary

Base Salary (2023)
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Vault Verdict

Shearman & Sterling challenges their associates with top-level work and the opportunity to take on early learning opportunities. The firm looks to hire attorneys who fit into the group dynamic and those who are eager to learn. The culture at Sherman & Sterling is collegial, and everyone from the top down is treated with respect. Partners at the firm appreciate the work associates perform on matters and take the time to provide feedback with a formal, annual review and informally as matters progress. Mentorship opportunities and training at the firm are highlights of working at Shearman & Sterling, with associates forming meaningful relationships with mentors. The newly instituted billable hour requirement of 1,900 hours is manageable for BigLaw, with work b...

About the Firm

Shearman & Sterling is one of the world’s leading law firms, serving the domestic and cross-border needs of an impressive roster of clients. With approximately 850 lawyers in 25 offices across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, the firm has an enviable blend of prestige, prowess, and reach. 

Starting Big

One hundred and fifty years ago, prominent lawyers Thomas Shearman and John Sterling locked hands in partnership, combining two legendary reputations to lay down a law firm’s foundation. Shearman & Sterling didn’t waste any time establishing itself—soon after the firm’s birth, it began forging relationships with Wall Street’s most commanding companies and personalities: The firm’s first client was Jay Gould, and Jim Fisk followed soon ...

Associate Reviews

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  • “Weekly office happy hours and ping-pong tournaments; pleasant office atmosphere, and people treat each other with respect.”
  • “I think that Shearman is generally a very collegial law firm, where junior associates are treated as colleagues, where personal or family circumstances are respected, and where a commitment to excellent work (and an acceptance of the long hours that necessarily go with it) is balanced with a respect of employees as people and of the fact that they do have lives and loved ones outside of the office.”
  • “Our office hosts weekly happy hours, and my practice group puts in an effort to organize team events outside of work.”
  • “The partners in the office regularly take the associates out to lunch–even those that are not in the same practice area. The lawyers and office staff are extremely collegial–they even participate in summer events! They are an important part of what we do, and [are] treated as such.”

Why Work Here


GIVING BACK

Shearman's commitment to Pro Bono has won the firm wide recognition.

Shearman was one of the New York firms to provide Pro Bono assistance to victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The firm advised residential and commercial tenants who were unable to return to their homes and businesses because of the attacks, and the private client group advised on trust and estate issues. Special recognition went to the firm's successful campaign to win compensation for a woman whose common-law husband died in the World Trade Center. Common-law marriages aren't recognized in New York State, making the woman ineligible under initial rules; Shearman eventually secured recognition of the marriage and compensation from the fund set up for victims and their families. Shearman continues to represent the families of more than 20 victims, many of which are low-income, immigrant families.

Diversity at Shearman & Sterling LLP

"Diversity & Inclusion: Goals Outline We are all Shearman & Sterling. As a global law firm, diversity and inclusion (D&I) are part of our fabric, interwoven in who we are and all we do. We are committed to attracting, retaining and developing the best and most diverse talent from around the globe to serve our clients with the insights, judgment and excellence that they expect from us. We know that the continued success of our firm, our people and our clients are inextricably bound, and require that we reflect the..."

Getting Hired Here

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  • “The firm seems to recruit from a variety of law schools across the country, looking for charismatic and engaging recruits.”
  • “I haven't been involved in the recruiting process, but from my experience going through the process as a candidate, it seems that the firm looks for candidates with the common qualifications, e.g., law school attended, law school performance, journal experience, experience prior to law school, personality in general. There are indeed a few schools that the firm seems to have frequently hired from.”
  • “The firm looks for well-educated and experienced candidates who have exceptional grades, and an eagerness to work and learn. The firm values all criteria in its hiring decision process. Feeder schools seem to be New York schools such as NYU and Columbia.”
  • “I think, like most firms, [Shearman] pays particular attention to first-year GPA. However, beyond that, I think the firm heavily weighs the reactions of the partners/associates interviewing the candidates. I know from experience we have turned down near-perfect candidates on paper (top school, 4.0) because the interviewers did not think they would be a good cultural fit.”

Perks & Benefits


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