Covington & Burling LLP

OUR SURVEY SAYS

Vault’s Verdict: Self-described as a little bit nerdy, Covington associates love the law. They’re not as enthused about low bonuses in the DC office, but the chance to work with exceptional lawyers in a collegial environment may be a fair trade.

Associate Life

Satisfaction
• “My work is fairly interesting and the hours are relatively humane, but opportunities to obtain stand-up experience are scarce, and associates seem to have a sense that partnership prospects are generally bleak.”
• “The firm has an exceptionally interesting mix of clients, and partners here have been proactive about getting me leadership opportunities with clients. As I have gotten more senior, though, much of the work has stayed the same.”
• “Litigation opportunities are not promising—unless you want to work in patent or insurance litigation.”
• “It’s a large law firm. Job satisfaction is what one would expect. The pressure to bill is high, the work is varied and interesting, the salary is great, and the expectation for constant availability is unwavering. You take the good with the bad.”