Dechert LLP

Dechert has built one of the most dominant financial services and asset management practices in the world, and for students interested in fund formation, investment management, or financial regulation, there is no better place to start. With approximately 830 attorneys across 13 offices worldwide, Dechert is headquartered in Philadelphia and maintains major offices in New York, Washington DC, London, Luxembourg, and Hong Kong.

Dechert was the first law firm to build a comprehensive funds practice spanning every key European and US fund domicile, and it remains the market leader. The firm has nearly 200 financial services lawyers globally, advising on everything from ETF launches and private credit platforms to GP-stakes transactions and regulatory compliance. Its complex litigation and white-collar practices are also highly regarded, particularly in cases involving financial services and securities.

The culture at Dechert is intellectually rigorous and collegial. The firm's relatively lean size means that associates get meaningful exposure to sophisticated matters early, and the financial services focus creates natural expertise development. Dechert is a place where deep specialization is valued and rewarded.

The summer program runs a free-market system with approximately 55 summers and a 2,000-hour billable target. PPP is approximately $2.8 million. Dechert recruits from top law schools with particular strength in the Northeast, and candidates who can speak to genuine interest in financial services, asset management, or securities regulation will stand out.