Mayer Brown

Getting Hired

Tips from the inside

“Unless you come with a partner's lateral move or fill a niche,” says a senior associate, “expect to be hired only with a platinum-plated resume.”  A litigator agrees, “The firm continues to be very focused on school rank, class rank, and law review.  It favors those of an intellectual bent, and you need to be independent and willing to take initiative to succeed here.”  “We mostly hire from the top of the class at select schools,” explains a junior associate.  “Once in a while, however, the firm does hire from tier-three schools when a candidate is outstanding.”  Expect a pretty traditional hiring process: “On campus interviews accompanied by a happy hour; Saturday callbacks accompanied by a dinner.” Hiring partners and associates want to see someone who is “sociable,” “sharp-witted,” “pleasant” and “hardworking.”  Finally, a Chicago contact advises that once you’ve landed an interview, “showing interest and enthusiasm for Mayer Brown is very important.”