1. 800. 973.1177
LAWCROSSING FEATURED EMPLOYER OF THE WEEK
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP [Adam Silver] Despite its relatively young age for an international law firm, Skadden has become one of the uncontested giants of the legal field, sporting one of the most prolific corporate practices in the world.
In matters of both quantity and quality, few
Skadden’s M&A reputation is so celebrated
legendary Joseph Flom, is still a partner at
firms can stack up next to Skadden, Arps,
that it has even led to a bit of cloak-and-dag-
the firm.
Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates. A
ger intrigue. White Plains attorney Robert
young entry into the competitive New York
Schuster tried to bribe a Skadden paralegal
The firm is highly cognizant that despite its
landscape little more than a mere half-cen-
in the hopes of obtaining inside information
numbers, each individual lawyer is crucial to
tury ago, Skadden has evolved into one of the
about imminent M&A deals. The paralegal
the overall success, and this recognition is
world’s greatest firms, boasting over 1,700
reported the incident to the firm, who relayed
reflected in the payroll. Attorneys at Skadden
attorneys in 22 locations across the globe.
it to the FBI. The paralegal covertly taped
can expect to share in the wealth. Most first
conversations with Mr. Schuster and gave
year associates receive around $140,000
Given its size and scope, Skadden is annu-
him a false tip. Mr. Schuster was subse-
before bonuses kick in and more tenured
ally near the top of profit lists. According
quently arrested. Of course, most parale-
lawyers receive proportionately munificent
to Corporate Control Alert, Skadden was
gals at the firm have a comparatively banal
salaries.
2003’s number one firm in terms of total
schedule. It may be a mouthful to say and make for a
M&A transactions for an astounding 12th year in a row. Skadden’s financial prowess is
Skadden is not only about mega-sized corpo-
somewhat protracted letterhead, but in a
matched by its recognition from various law
rate deals. There have also been a number of
relatively short time Skadden, Arps, Slate,
publications. A recent issue of The American
high-profile litigation cases. Washington D.C.
Meagher & Flom has established itself as
Lawyer placed Skadden in the top 10 in 14 different categories, far more than any other firm. Chambers USA singled out 99 Skadden partners for achievement in a variety of practices, a staggering amount considering the number of firms that don’t even have that many associates, let alone partners.
partner Robert Bennett served as President
a major world player and one of America’s
Clinton’s attorney in the Paula Jones sexual
premiere firms. For attorneys that seek the
harassment suit.
social advantages of large networks and the professional challenge of epic-sized deals,
On the pro bono front the firm has received a
there is no other place to turn.
long list of awards from organizations such as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund to Pro
Jobs
Bono Advocates. Skadden has been heralded Skadden is widely viewed as one of the top
for its famous “Skadden Fellowship Foun-
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
corporate law firms in the country and rep-
dation,” which, since 1988, has aided those
currently has several openings for litiga-
resents a healthy portion of the Fortune 500.
desirous of pursuing a career in public inter-
tors, corporate attorneys and real estate
Clients have included Disney, Bell Atlantic
est work. The Los Angeles Times dubbed the
attorneys, among others, throughout its 22
and Sprint---just to name a few. The firm
program “a legal Peace Corps.”
offices. More information regarding positions at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
played a huge role in many of the wellknown M&A cases during the fecund 1980s.
It would be fair to assume that identity is
Flom LLP can be found in the LawCrossing
New York partner Peter Atkins handled
often lost in such a behemoth, but it must
job database.
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts’ fabled buyout of
be kept in mind that while a good number of
RJR Nabisco, a sum which exceeded $20
attorneys are concentrated in the New York
billion. Currently Skadden is representing
headquarters, others are spread out from
both Westfield American Trust and Westfield
Singapore to Frankfurt. The firm has man-
Holdings Ltd. in a three-way merger worth
aged to produce a number of stars and retain
$16.2 billion.
its philosophy. Original (lone) attorney, the
PAGE 1