Overview
Introduction
Fitch Even was founded as a general practice firm in Chicago in 1859, making it the oldest continuously operating law firm in Chicago. The firm has since turned its focus to IP matters, covering a range of IP practice areas for a diverse client base, and has expanded beyond its Chicago roots to set up shop in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, and Washington, DC. Fitch Even attorneys enjoy a collegial, collaborative culture with a majority-remote hybrid work schedule.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2022)
No. of Partners Named (2022)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2023)
No. of Summer Associates (2023)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
If a good work-life balance at Chicago’s oldest firm sounds interesting to you, then take a closer look at Fitch Even. The firm balances a majority-remote hybrid work schedule with regularly organized social events, and the culture is collegial and collaborative as a result. Partners treat associates with respect, and the firm’s leadership is fully transparent in its decision making. The firm recently reduced its billable hour requirement to 1,800 while increasing compensation, a much appreciated change, and associates are eligible for a bonus once they meet the billable hour requirement. Virtually all of the work is substantive, whether in patent prosecution or litigation. The firm stays ahead of the curve with technology, and remote work is seamless. Although the firm has few fo...
About the Firm
Fitch, Even, Tabin & Flannery is an intellectual property firm with a global reach. Originating in the Windy City, the firm has five offices coast-to-coast.
Chicago’s Oldest
Fitch Even was founded as a general practice firm in Chicago in 1859, making it the oldest continuously operating law firm in Chicago. Originally named Goodwin, Larned & Goodwin after its three founders, the firm underwent a series of name changes throughout the decades and landed on its current iteration in 1983. Today, the firm has expanded beyond its Chicago roots to set up shop in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, and Washington, DC.
IP Experts in Every Industry
Fitch Even is an IP firm through-and-though, with practice area...
Associate Reviews
- “Collegial and professional interaction among lawyers and between lawyers and staff.”
- “There are plenty of scheduled happy hours and firm outings. There are also informal happy hours in the office's town hall that happen regularly as well. Lawyers have a good relationship with the staff. In the office, most of the staff have cubicles that lawyers must walk past [en route] to their office, which helps generate interaction.”
- “The firm still largely works remote, requiring that associates come into the office two days a week. The firm organizes social events about two to four times a year where there is opportunity to engage with other attorneys at the firm.”
- “Everyone is extremely friendly to one another. The firm has a very collegial culture of helping and supporting one another. Happy hours are less frequent since COVID and remote work, but still happen once or twice a quarter. Lawyers and staff interact as one unit trying to provide the best work for the client.”
Getting Hired Here
- “The firm considers grade point averages, practical experience, and interest in intellectual property when looking for candidates. Through our summer associate program, we are able to work closely with law students who may be offered an associate role based on their performance.”
- “The firm is committed to bringing in the best candidates from whatever school that may be to become summers or associates. The firm looks for competent individuals that have good communication skills and a team-first mentality.”
- “We are actively seeking associates but are selective in those we hire. We are looking for highly qualified candidates who we believe will be successful at the firm and provide high-quality services to our clients. The firm looks for candidates they believe will be at the firm for the rest of their careers. Good grades, technical background, and a strong interest in intellectual property are factors that are considered.”
- “The firm hires candidates based on their interest in practicing intellectual property (IP) law and academic background. The firm works with many clients in various technology fields, including tech (IoT, telecoms, household), chemical, and food.”