Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson LLP (Europe)

Vault’s Verdict: The firm earns solid marks for job satisfaction and firm culture, though insiders offer few specifics. While the hours can be long (“no surprise!”), no one is really complaining — perhaps that’s because lawyers are happy with generous salaries and optimistic about the firm’s future.

•  “The work is mostly M&A and financing, but as the department I work in is very small, I naturally get quite a broad exposure to different deals and transactions. My immediate boss happens to be excellent and the partners I’ve worked with so far seem fairly approachable. Plus the pay is very good!!” – Associate

•  “In growth mode — lateral partners and associates coming in.” – Associate