Foley Hoag LLP
UnverifiedBoston, MA
About
If you want to represent sovereign nations in international arbitration and advise cutting-edge life sciences companies, Foley Hoag offers a combination that is genuinely unique. The firm has earned a Band 1 ranking in Public International Law from Chambers Global for over a decade and has represented more than 70 sovereign states in disputes before the International Court of Justice, investment treaty tribunals, and other international forums. With approximately 350 attorneys in Boston, Washington DC, New York, and Paris, this is an elite boutique with outsized global influence.
Foley Hoag's international arbitration practice handles some of the most consequential disputes in the world, border controversies, investment treaty claims, and complex sovereign matters that shape international law. The firm's life sciences practice is equally formidable, representing over 2,000 public and private biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device clients with professionals who include former scientists, physicians, and senior government officials. IP litigation, emerging companies, and environmental law round out a distinctive practice mix.
The culture at Foley Hoag is intellectual, mission-driven, and deeply committed to public interest work. The firm uses a free-market system and summer associates get exposure to a practice mix unlike anything available at larger firms. The intimate size means genuine mentorship and early responsibility.
For recruiting, demonstrate international awareness and intellectual curiosity. If you have a science background or international law interest, lead with it. Foley Hoag wants people who are excited about the unique intersection of sovereign representation and life sciences, show that you understand what makes this firm genuinely different.
Recruiting & Summer Program
Summer Class Size
20 associates
Billable Hours
1,850 hours
Practice Areas & Rankings
Source: Chambers USA 2026 Rankings
| Practice Area | Band | Jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental | Band 1 | Massachusetts |
| Cannabis Law | Band 2 | Nationwide |
| Energy / Infrastructure | Band 2 | Massachusetts |
| Insurance / Reinsurance | Band 2 | Massachusetts |
| Labor & Employment | Band 2 | Massachusetts |
| Life Sciences / FDA | Band 2 | Massachusetts |
| Real Estate | Band 2 | Massachusetts |
| Capital Markets / Securities | Band 3 | Massachusetts |
| Commercial Litigation | Band 3 | Massachusetts |
| Corporate / M&A | Band 3 | Massachusetts |
| Healthcare | Band 3 | Massachusetts |
| Intellectual Property (General / Trademark) | Band 3 | Massachusetts |
| International Arbitration | Band 3 | Nationwide |
| Private Equity | Band 3 | Nationwide, Massachusetts |
| Restructuring / Bankruptcy | Band 3 | Massachusetts |
| White Collar Defense | Band 3 | Massachusetts |
| Healthcare | Band 5 | District of Columbia |
| Intellectual Property (Patent) | Band 5 | New York |
Firm Profile
Vault Rank (2026)
#90
AmLaw Rank (FY2025)
#86
Founded
1943
Chair / Managing Partner
James Bucking
Attorneys
~350
Partnership Track
8 years
Billable Hours Target
1,850 hours
Summer Class Size (2025)
~20
Revenue per Lawyer (FY2025)
$1.25M
1st-Year Total Comp (2026)
$245,000+
Offices (4 locations)
Data sources: Financial data from AmLaw 200, FY2025. Practice area rankings from Chambers USA 2026. Summer program data from Chambers Associate 2026. Office locations from firm websites. Last verified: March 27, 2026. View our data methodology