How to Research a Firm Beyond the Website
BigLaw Bear · 2 min read
Every BigLaw firm website looks the same. Sleek photos, vague language about innovation and client service, a list of practice areas that all sound identical. The website tells you nothing about what it is actually like to work there.
Here is where to find the real information.
Chambers rankings
Chambers and Partners ranks individual practice groups based on independent research, including client interviews. If a firm has a Band 1 or Band 2 Chambers ranking in the practice area you care about, that is a meaningful signal. It tells you the firm's clients are happy with the work.
NALP forms
Firms submit annual data to NALP that includes associate demographics, billing targets, pro bono policies, compensation details, and more. This is publicly available and gives you hard numbers instead of marketing copy. Read our guide on how to read a NALP form for a walkthrough.
BigLaw Bear firm profiles
The firm directory aggregates data from multiple sources into comparable profiles. You can compare firms on practice areas, office locations, compensation, and other factors without opening 30 tabs.
Current and former associates
The single best source of information is people who have actually worked there. During callbacks, ask junior associates (not partners) direct questions:
- What does a typical week look like?
- How are assignments distributed?
- What do people do after they leave?
- What would you change about the firm if you could?
Associates are usually honest during these conversations because they want the summer class to include people who will actually be happy there.
Legal media
Above the Law, The American Lawyer, Law360, and Reuters Legal cover firm news, lateral moves, financial results, and cultural shifts. Follow these outlets during recruiting season.
Glassdoor and anonymous forums
These are useful but take them with a grain of salt. Read our piece on how accurate Glassdoor reviews are for BigLaw. The most extreme reviews (five-star raves and one-star rants) are usually the least reliable.
Alumni networks
Where a firm's alumni end up tells you a lot about the quality of the experience and the strength of the firm's brand. LinkedIn is useful for this. Search for former associates at your target firm and see where they went.
The best firm research combines multiple sources. Start with the firm directory, then layer on Chambers data, NALP forms, and real conversations.