Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP

Arnold & Porter is a Washington DC institution with deep expertise in life sciences, regulatory law, and government enforcement -- the kind of firm where partners have shaped the regulations they now help clients navigate. If you want to practice at the intersection of law and policy with a firm that genuinely values intellectual rigor, Arnold & Porter belongs on your list.

Arnold & Porter's life sciences and FDA regulatory practice is among the best in the country, advising pharmaceutical and biotech companies on drug approvals, clinical trials, and enforcement actions. The firm's broader regulatory capabilities span environmental, financial services, and telecommunications law, drawing on decades of DC-based expertise. The litigation practice handles high-stakes government investigations and complex commercial disputes. With approximately 950 attorneys and $3.2M in profits per partner, the firm delivers strong economics with a 2,000-hour billable target and free-market assignments.

Arnold & Porter's culture is cerebral and policy-oriented, attracting attorneys who are as interested in the regulatory landscape as they are in the billable work. Associates report strong mentorship and a genuine commitment to professional development, with partners who are recognized thought leaders in their fields. The summer program of about 36 associates is intentionally small, creating an intimate experience where summers get meaningful exposure to senior attorneys. The 82% offer rate is lower than some peers, reflecting the firm's selectivity in conversion rather than a flaw in the experience.

Arnold & Porter conducts OCIs at over 40 law schools, with screeners typically led by an associate for 20 minutes followed by callbacks with four senior attorneys in 20-to-30-minute sessions. The process is well-organized, with a recruiter and junior associate providing warm introductions before formal interviews begin. Candidates rate the experience as positive and moderate in difficulty. To succeed, demonstrate genuine interest in regulatory law and policy work -- Arnold & Porter is not looking for associates who happened to bid on a DC firm. Knowledge of current FDA or regulatory developments will signal that you belong there.