Winston & Strawn LLP

OUR SURVEY SAYS

Vault’s Verdict: Winston Strawn’s free market system and unsteady work stream have some associates knocking on doors for more work. But lockstep salary raises, substantive pro bono work and a professional, respectful culture earn good marks.

Associate Life

Satisfaction
• “I enjoy what work I have, but I wish that assignments were more consistent. I am either too slammed or too bored with billable work. Winston does a great job at providing pro bono opportunities to fill the void, but I worry about meeting my hours.”
• “I can't complain about the quality of the work itself—as a first-year associate I've done mostly substantive research memos and edited pleadings and briefs, and very little ‘grunt’ work such as doc review. On the other hand, the hours are unpredictable, and many days I have little or no work to do.”
• “Lawyers at Winston are practical, helpful and understanding. No guarantees about anyone's future, but partners are generally open with associates about firm business and staffing levels.”
• “In my short time at the firm, I have been given interesting and challenging work. I am always busy but never drowning.”