Covington & Burling LLP

Covington & Burling is a Washington, D.C.-headquartered law firm with approximately 1,310 attorneys and offices in New York, San Francisco, London, Brussels, and other international cities. Founded in 1919, Covington has built its identity around regulatory law, government affairs, and public policy, areas where its D.C. location provides a structural advantage. The firm generates profits per partner of approximately $3.3 million and is consistently recognized as the leading regulatory firm among BigLaw practices.

Covington holds Band 1 rankings in Chambers USA for Life Sciences/Pharmaceutical Regulatory, Privacy & Data Security, National Security, Intellectual Property, and Government Regulatory. The firm's life sciences regulatory practice is the largest and most recognized in the country, advising pharmaceutical and biotech companies on FDA matters, clinical trials, and product approvals. Its privacy and data security group leads the market in advising on data protection regulations globally, and the national security practice handles CFIUS reviews, export controls, and sanctions compliance. Covington's IP litigation practice is also highly regarded.

Covington uses a free-market assignment system. Associates have a billable target of 1,950 hours and report that the hours are manageable and that time off is well-protected. Chambers Associate rates Covington as an Excellent Performer for Pro Bono, and associates report that 10-20% of their billable time comes from pro bono work. The firm's culture is described as professional and courteous, with partners who respect boundaries and publicly acknowledge associate contributions. Notably, partners do not receive origination credit, which contributes to a genuinely collaborative atmosphere. The summer class is approximately 152 associates.

Notable alumni include former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, former Secretary of State Dean Acheson, and former federal judge Gerhard Gesell. Covington's identity as a regulatory firm gives it a distinct positioning, while other firms treat government regulatory work as a secondary offering, it is the core of Covington's practice and the foundation of its market reputation.