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Overview

Introduction

Nine hundred lawyers strong with a long list of lauded practice areas, there isn’t much at which Akin doesn’t excel. Transparent? Check. Making strides in diversity? You bet. Walking the wellness walk? Absolutely. Social types who are down to earth will fit well at the firm. Akin is a leader in lending a helping hand, with an attorney average of more than 100 hours devoted to pro bono clients per year and over 70% pro bono participation.

Firm Stats


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Total No. Attorneys (2023)

750 - 1K

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No. of Partners Named (2022)

15

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Featured Rankings

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

53


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No. of Summer Associates (2023)

93 total (53 2Ls; 40 1Ls)


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Base Salary

1st year: $215,000
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Vault Verdict

With an especially strong presence in the Lone Star State, Akin is known and respected internationally in the legal profession. Associates come from top national and regional schools, generally have top grades, and should have strong work ethics and good people skills. Firm settings are familial and cohesive—staff and attorneys all get along and support each other. More specifically, partners appreciate associates and take an interest in their development. Partner and associate mentors supplement the firm’s abundant formal trainings with helpful guidance and feedback. Lateral integration receives mixed reviews and could be more consistent. The quality of work assignments is high, and associates are encouraged to take on more responsibility and more advanced work. The distribution ...

About the Firm

Founded in Texas in 1945, Akin has grown to become one of the world’s largest law firms, with more than 900 lawyers across 20 offices around the globe, operating at the intersection of public policy, business, and the law.

From Two to 900+

The Akin story began when former FBI agents Richard Gump and Robert Strauss started up a small legal practice in post-WWII Dallas. Strauss went on to become chair of the Democratic National Committee, chaired Jimmy Carter’s successful presidential campaign in 1976, and worked for both the Carter and George H.W. Bush administrations. Over the past 75 years, the firm has grown from two lawyers to a global powerhouse with more than 900 lawyers.

One-Stop Shop

Akin is a full-service commerci...

Associate Reviews

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  • “Collegial, laid back, generally lots of avenues for open communication. Partners are passionate and approachable. Low on ego. Lots of younger partners, and counsel in leadership positions. Does not feel overly hierarchical.”
  • “The firm has an amazing culture. People are very laid back, and respectful of everyone's time/commitments. People regularly hang out with each other outside of work. Late night and weekend work are not the norm. The staff is extremely helpful, and all lawyers regularly thank them for all of their hard work. There are a lot of great mentors at the firm who take junior associates under their wing.”
  • “Akin has a very cohesive atmosphere, and seeks out attorneys who want to engage with their practice groups on a social level. I have found it easy to form close personal relationships with partners in my practice group, which I value greatly.”
  • “People at the firm are friendly and respectful. Lawyers and staff treat each other well, and there is a real sense of family/community at the firm.”

Why Work Here


Our Firm

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading global law firm providing innovative legal services and business solutions to individuals and institutions. We are one of the world’s largest law firms, with more than 900 lawyers and professionals in 21 offices. Our firm’s clients range from individuals to corporations and foreign governments.

We were founded in Texas in 1945 by Robert Strauss and Richard Gump, with the guiding vision that commitment, excellence and integrity would drive the success of the firm. We incorporated those qualities into the firm’s core values as we grew into an international full-service firm positioned at the intersection of commerce, policy and the law. This dedication to the advancement of these values guides relationships within the firm and, most importantly, with its clients.

Diversity at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

"At Akin Gump our long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion reflects our belief that we all thrive when we bring together people with different perspectives and experiences in an environment where collaboration generates ideas, innovation, and creative solutions. We are also committed to professional development and building sense of community that fosters understanding, respect, and a sense of belonging. Leadership Commitment We are very proud to be one of very few major, global law firms to have a woman,..."

Getting Hired Here

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  • “Firm largely recruits from top national schools, and then well-regarded local schools for each office. The firm does periodically have office-wide presentations on recruiting and interviewing, and there are general guidelines for interviews to follow.”
  • “The firm seeks candidates with stellar academic credentials. That is the floor. The firm hires associates who are able to be team players, and can interact well with others. We want to see personality, and that a candidate is a good person. Candidates who can demonstrate both are likely to succeed.”
  • “The firm is looking for candidates who were successful in law school (decent grades, some journal experience, extracurricular involvement), but more importantly, is looking for candidates with sociable personalities and people skills.”
  • “The firm looks for candidates with a strong work ethic and rigorous academic background, but also candidates with real-world experience and an ability to work well with others. The firm hires from a wide variety of law schools.”

Perks & Benefits


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