4 Star Rating

5 Reviews

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP.

Main Office: 450 Lexington Avenue | New York City | NY | 10017

Phone: 212-450-4000 | Fax: 212-450-3800

Website: https://www.davispolk.com

4 Star Rating

5 Reviews

Year of establishment
1849

Number of partners
177

Number of offices
9

Partner to associate ratio
0.30

Biggest office
New York City

Percentage of women attorneys
40.20

Number of attorneys
1106

Percentage of minority attorneys
21.00

Number of associates
636

Percentage of LGBT attorneys
4.30

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. Reviews

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Reviewed on May 19, 2024

Current Employee Mr. San Francisco

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
I think the leadership team should step away and stop fostering competition so much in the office. Let people do their own thing and the office will be better off for it.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
The people working at this firm are great at what they do, and the work environment is very fast paced. People push themselves very hard here, and a lot of good work is getting done.

What did you not like about this institution?
Sometimes the work/life balance can be a bit skewed. Everyone works very hard, but sometimes too much is too much. The leadership team fosters an aura of competition, which doesn't help matters any.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

Work/Life Balance:

Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Current or former employee?:
Current Employee

Length of Employment:
10+ years

Reviewed on May 19, 2024

Current Employee Mr. San Francisco

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
I would like to see a few new faces around the office (new staff hired) and I would like to see more frequent room for growth as well.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
Staff, management, and front desk staff are all extremely accommodating and will go well out of their way to help both you and their clients. There are always interesting cases to be worked on, so work is never dull nor tiresome.

What did you not like about this institution?
The room for growth feels somewhat restricted at the moment. I really would like to see work reviews take place on a more frequent basis, perhaps once every three to six months.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

Work/Life Balance:

Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Current or former employee?:
Current Employee

Length of Employment:
10+ years

   5

Overview

Discover the Excitement of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP: A Premier Law Firm for Attorneys and Staff For over 165 years, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP has established itself as one of the premier law firms globally, offering world-class practices across various domains. With 10 strategically located offices in key business centers and political capitals worldwide, Davis Polk is the go-to firm for leading companies and financial institutions seeking counsel on their most critical legal and business matters. This blog post explores why working at Davis Polk can be an exciting and fulfilling experience for attorneys and staff alike. A Firm Description: Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP has built a reputation for excellence and innovation in the legal industry. The firm's professionals seamlessly collaborate across practice groups and geographies, providing clients with exceptional service, sophisticated advice, and creative and practical solutions. With a deep understanding of the full legal landscape, market practices, and clients' businesses and objectives, Davis Polk consistently delivers outstanding results. Important Information about the Firm: 1. Global Presence: With 10 offices strategically located worldwide, Davis Polk is uniquely positioned to serve clients across different time zones and jurisdictions. This global presence allows attorneys and staff to gain exposure to international legal matters and work with diverse teams, fostering a dynamic and enriching work environment. 2. Prestigious Clientele: Davis Polk's client roster includes leading companies and financial institutions from various industries. By joining the firm, attorneys and staff have the opportunity to work on high-profile cases and transactions that shape the global business landscape. 3. Collaborative Culture: Davis Polk fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork, encouraging professionals to work across practice groups and offices. This collaborative approach enables attorneys and staff to learn from each other's expertise, broaden their skill sets, and tackle complex legal challenges collectively. 4. Professional Development: Davis Polk is committed to the professional growth and development of its attorneys and staff. The firm offers extensive training programs, mentorship opportunities, and resources to help individuals reach their full potential. Attorneys and staff can expect to receive guidance and support throughout their careers at Davis Polk. Benefits of Joining Davis Polk: 1. Challenging and Rewarding Work: Davis Polk offers attorneys and staff the chance to work on cutting-edge legal matters that have a significant impact on clients and society. The firm's diverse client base and complex cases provide a stimulating and intellectually challenging work environment. 2. Global Exposure: With offices in key business centers and political capitals worldwide, Davis Polk provides attorneys and staff with unparalleled exposure to international legal matters. This global perspective allows professionals to develop a broader understanding of legal systems and business practices across different jurisdictions. 3. Mentorship and Support: Davis Polk values mentorship and support as crucial components of professional growth. Attorneys and staff can expect to receive guidance from experienced partners and senior professionals who are invested in their success. This mentorship culture ensures that individuals have the resources and support they need to excel in their careers. 4. Work-Life Balance: Davis Polk recognizes the importance of work-life balance and strives to create an environment that promotes well-being. The firm offers flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and initiatives that prioritize the physical and mental health of its attorneys and staff. 5. Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Davis Polk offers a competitive compensation package that reflects the firm's commitment to attracting and retaining top talent. Additionally, the firm provides comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks that contribute to the overall well-being of its professionals. In conclusion, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP stands out as a premier law firm that offers attorneys and staff an exciting and fulfilling career. With its global presence, prestigious clientele, collaborative culture, and commitment to professional development, Davis Polk provides a platform for individuals to thrive and make a significant impact in the legal industry. Joining Davis Polk opens doors to challenging and rewarding work, global exposure, mentorship, work-life balance, and competitive compensation and benefits.

Practice Areas

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. practices law in the following areas and works with its clients to provide the best possible legal solutions.

Hiring Criteria

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. follows the set of hiring criteria outlined below.

Davis Polk seeks to hire applicants with outstanding academic and non-academic achievements, personal skills, creativity, and the willingness to take initiative.

Pro bono

Pro bono work is a core responsibility of Davis Polk. We are committed to serving the public good and providing legal services to those who cannot otherwise obtain legal representation. Our lawyers work on pro bono matters throughout their careers at the firm, and we champion pro bono work through partner mentoring, training opportunities and the commitment of resources. We consider pro bono work to be of equal stature to billable matters, and our lawyers offer the same caliber of service to our pro bono clients as we do to our paying clients.

Legal Jobs in New York City and Near Locations

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. Awards and Recognitions

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Capital Markets

1st in more global and U.S. capital markets categories than any other U.S. firm - Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg final league tables

Band 1 among global law firms in both debt and equity capital markets - Chambers Global 2013

Law Firm of the Year" - 2013 Structured Products Americas Awards

M&A

1st in announced worldwide M&A and announced U.S. M&A league tables in 1H 2013 - Thomson Reuters,

Bloomberg and mergermarket

Advised on more than $120 billion in M&A transactions in 1H 2013, capturing over 20% of U.S. market share - Thomson Reuters

1st tier among U.S. law firms advising on M&A transactions - IFLR1000 2013

Credit

Band 1, Banking & Finance USA - Chambers Global 2013

Band 1, Banking & Finance Nationwide - Chambers USA 2013

Ranked among the top 5 in more than half of the league table categories, including 6 of 9 categories by volume and 5 of 9 categories by deals - Thomson Reuters LPC 1H 2013

Litigation

1st tier in General Commercial Litigation: - Chambers USA 2014 and Benchmark Litigation 2014

1st tier in Securities Litigation - Chambers USA 2014, Legal 500 U.S. 2014 and Benchmark Litigation 2014

1st tier in White Collar Crime and Government Investigations - Chambers USA 2014, Legal 500 U.S. 2014 and Benchmark Litigation 2014

New York Law Firm of the Year" - Benchmark Litigation 2014

Global Dispute of the Year: Investigations" - The American Lawyer 2013

Securities Group of the Year" - Law360 2013

White Collar Group of the Year" - Law360 2013

Antitrust

Competition Group of the Year" - Law360 2012 and 2014

1st tier among New York law firms in antitrust matters - Chambers USA 2014 and GCR 100 2014

Law Firm of the Year" in Antitrust Law - 2013 U.S. News - Best Lawyers Best Law Firms ranking

Financial Institutions

The only firm ranked in Band 1 within both Financial Services Regulation categories of Banking Compliance and Broker-Dealer Compliance & Enforcement - Chambers USA 2011-2013

Financial Regulatory Team of the Year" - 2013 International Financial Law Review Americas Awards

Insolvency and Restructuring

Band 1, Bankruptcy/Restructuring USA - Chambers Global 2012-2013

Band 1, Bankruptcy/Restructuring Nationwide - Chambers USA 2013

1st tier in Corporate Restructuring (including bankruptcy) - Legal 500 2013

Investment Management

Among the top law firms nationwide in various Investment Fund and Management categories, including alternative/hedge funds, private equity funds and mutual/registered funds - Legal 500 U.S. 2012

Ranked among the top law firms nationally in hedge funds and the only firm recommended year after year for client service in this category - Chambers USA 2013

Ranked among the top law firms in private equity fund formation - IFLR1000 2012

Tax

Band 1, Tax Corporate and Finance USA - Chambers Global 2013

Band 1, Tax Corporate and Finance Nationwide - Chambers USA 2013

1st tier in Tax Financial Products - Legal 500 U.S. 2013

1st tier in Tax International - Legal 500 U.S. 2013

Americas

Won IFLR's 2013 Americas Law Firm of the Year" and Debt and Equity-Linked Team of the Year" awards - the first firm to win each award two years in a row

Financial Regulation Team of the Year," Restructuring Team of the Year" and Restructuring Deal of the Year" (Lehman) - 2013 IFLR Americas Awards

Asia

Band 1, Asia-Pacific Corporate/M&A, Debt, Equity and High-Yield Products (no other firm is ranked Band 1 in all four categories) ? Chambers Asia-Pacific 2010-2013

Band 1, Asia-Pacific M&A transactions - Chambers Asia-Pacific 2011-2012

International Law Firm of the Year" for Capital Markets: Debt & Equity - 2012 Chambers China Awards

Europe

1st among U.S. firms in EMEA IPOs, Manager Advisers ? Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg 2012

1st among U.S. firms in EMEA Equity and Equity-Related Offerings, Manager Advisers ? Bloomberg 2012

1st among U.S. firms in Euromarket Bonds, Manager Advisers ? Bloomberg 2012

1st among U.S. firms in International Bonds, Manager Advisers ? Thomson Reuters 2012

Pro Bono

The Legal Aid Society presented 20 of our lawyers with its 2012 Pro Bono Publico Awards.

Diversity

Davis Polk consistently ranks in the top 20 firms nationwide among all AmLaw 100 and 200 firms in The American Lawyer''s Diversity Scorecard."

Diversity

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We have a rich mix of people, with a wealth of cultural backgrounds and points of view, who work as colleagues in an uncommonly concerted way to meet clients' needs and goals.

BY THE NUMBERS

Our lawyers come from 58 countries and collectively speak more than 40 languages.

32% of our lawyers were born outside of the United States, including 25% of our partners.

28% of our lawyers are ethnic minorities or LGBT.

41% of our associates and 18% of our partners are women.

Summer Associate Program

In 2010, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP had a class of 96 summer associates. 81 of those summer associates were considered for offers. 81 offers were made.

All summer associates are paid $3,077 per week, regardless of class.

1L weekly compensation $3,077

2L weekly compensation $3,077

3L weekly compensation $3,077

are 1Ls considered? No

are split summers allowed? Yes

minimum weeks for split summers 8

size of 2010 summer class 96

males 66

females 30

2Ls considered for offers 81

Offers made 81

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