Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Pillsbury's energy practice is a standout, including the world's top-ranked nuclear energy team with a 50-year track record. The firm was the first AmLaw 100 firm to launch a dedicated hydrogen practice, positioning it at the forefront of the energy transition. Its technology practice spans over 300 lawyers serving the full lifecycle of tech companies, and the firm's construction and real estate practice handles complex development and infrastructure projects worldwide.

The culture at Pillsbury is collegial and industry-focused. Because the firm organizes around sectors rather than just practice areas, associates develop genuine industry knowledge alongside legal skills. The firm's midsize profile means associates get meaningful responsibility and direct client interaction earlier than at many larger competitors.

Pillsbury's summer program uses a free-market system with approximately 30 summers. PPP is approximately $1.6 million. The firm recruits from law schools nationwide with particular interest in candidates who bring technical backgrounds in engineering, science, or technology. If you want to develop deep sector expertise in energy, tech, or construction while maintaining the benefits of a well-resourced international firm, Pillsbury is worth serious consideration.