1. 800. 973.1177
LAWCROSSING FEATURED EMPLOYER OF THE WEEK
Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton [Jefferson Byrd] This prestigious but off-beat firm might be eccentric, but there is no kidding around when it comes to the impressive workload the firm’s attorneys take on.
When, in 1946, the New York firm of Root,
American law firm licensed in Japan and the
Though the firm’s corporate work tends
Clark, Buckner & Ballantine instituted a new
first to promote Japanese attorneys. Even
to overshadow their litigation, Cleary has
policy of compensating partners based on
with offices in Paris, Brussels, Hong Kong,
served as counsel in some high-profile court
billable hours and new clients, four lawyers
Tokyo, Milan, Moscow, Cologne, Frankfurt,
cases. They represented the gay New Jersey
quit the firm to start their own. Founded on
and Brussels, language requirements for
Boy Scout leader who was kicked out of the
the principle that lawyers within a firm must
attorneys are few, even though candidates
organization in violation of the state’s anti-
cooperate and not compete against each
with foreign language skills are always in
discrimination law. Though the judge ruled
other, Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen, & Hamilton
demand.
against the Boy Scouts, the Scouts appealed and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the
eschews performance-based pay. With an increasing turnover rate, which many
discrimination was constitutional. With a
Discouraging conformity, the firm’s culture
think is due to the high demand for Cleary-
long-standing commitment to taking pro
stresses independent thought. Though they
trained attorneys, the firm hatched a plan to
bono work, Cleary has been commended for
have a reputation for being laid-back and
keep its important associates. In 1999, Cleary
making service to the community a priority.
democratic (the firm’s Washington, D.C.
created a senior attorney position, available
branch operates almost entirely independent
for those who want to work more than part
The New York Law Journal called Cleary
of the New York office), the one thing every-
time but less than the arduous hours re-
a leader in diversity. Minorities constitute
one at Cleary takes seriously is the work.
quired by large firms. Senior attorneys must
20 percent of the firm’s partners and 25
The firm prides itself on its quirkiness, but
have seven-years experience, with two of
percent of associates. As half of all Cleary
some associates say that with average hours
those years at Cleary. Those who qualify get
recruits are women, the firm offers a flexible
between 45-70 per week, Cleary isn’t quite
to negotiate their pay and hours. Other salary
schedule for moms and a “Working Women”
as free-spirited as it presents itself. The firm
perks include a $20,000 bonus at the end of
seminar once a week. Providing benefits
does, however, try much harder than your
an associate’s first year.
for same-sex partners, Cleary also boasts a large gay representation.
average firm to offer its attorneys a congenial social setting, as evidenced by the firm’s
Especially proud of their considerable M&A
traditional Friday night wine and cheese
practice, Cleary has represented some of
Besides being quirky, a Cleary candidate
parties, which have expanded to feature beer
the world’s biggest corporations in some
must possess good grades. The firm puts
and egg rolls as of late.
of the world’s biggest acquisitions. Ranked
a great emphasis on stellar academics.
#1 in European M&A by Thomson Financial
Other important factors Cleary looks for are
While the attorneys play hard, Cleary has
in 2004, #1 in international arbitration by
judicial clerkships and participation in law
definitely made a strong name for itself
American Lawyer in 2003, and cited as the
review. According to insiders, a law student’s
through hard work, which its extensive
International Law Firm of the Year by Cham-
best bet to get an interview is to list Cleary
international presence illustrates. The firm’s
bers and Partners in 2001, Cleary secured
Gottlieb first in the interview preference
international network is said to be among
the biggest M&A deal of 2004 when Bank of
system.
the best for lawyers who want to go over-
America merged with FleetBoston. Two of
seas. Ten of the firm’s 12 offices are abroad,
their largest clients, HSBC Holdings from the
and the firm prides itself on its ability to
U.K. and Deutsche Bank used no in-house
remain organized and operate as a single
counsel, relying entirely on Cleary’s M&A
Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton currently
global partnership of 800 attorneys from 50
resources, when they made individual multi-
has several openings in New York, Wash-
nations. Cleary Gottlieb was also the first
billion dollar mergers in 1999.
ington DC, and Hong Kong offices, including
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Jobs
continued on back
LAWCROSSING FEATURED EMPLOYER OF THE WEEK
opportunities for experienced labor & employment and other associates. More information regarding attorney positions at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen, & Hamilton can be found in the LawCrossing jobs database.
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