Lateral Partners and Associates

We know the magnitude of making a career change.

After working at another firm, in judicial clerkships, public service or within corporate organizations, lawyers find Orrick a welcoming and supportive environment.

We do not consider "firm culture" as a program du jour. It is part of our DNA. We focus daily on fostering professional relationships rooted in personal respect and provide every individual at Orrick, regardless of title or tenure, with the ability to contribute.

We do our best to ensure that your fit makes sense for both of us over the long-term. Once you join, we want you to stay and build your career here.

Candidate Evaluation

As we look to build our bench in core practice areas or to deepen our knowledge in a given area of the law, we evaluate candidates based on a combination of intellectual rigor, client service track record and personal dynamics.

Strong academic credentials are required and preference is given to candidates with major law firm experience. Some areas we explore include:

• What makes you unique? Your perspective, your energy, your drive, your client results?
• How have you contributed in leadership roles beyond your client practice?
• How are you regarded by your colleagues, clients, staff and community?
• How do you interact with others?
• What type of enthusiasm and respect do you bring to your work, clients and client teams?
• What resonating value can you contribute to Orrick and the people who work here?

Open Positions

Training Programs

For laterals, and all Orrick lawyers, we provide comprehensive training programs to help lawyers strengthen their skills and deepen client relationships. These offerings include:

• Midlevel associate training, which includes a two-day training and development program for fourth-year associates hosted in San Francisco. Among the presentation topics are client development skills, running deals and cases, and the path to partnership.
• More than one thousand accredited online CLE courses through the WestLegalEdCenter, a subsidiary of Westlaw that is accessible through the firm's intranet.
• Extensive litigation training, including deposition and motion practice, and corporate training, including more than 40 sessions on issues ranging from due diligence to specific deal orchestration, are the standard for firm associates.
• Orrick practice groups regularly hold monthly lunches that serve as both training sessions and introductions to our other practice areas.

Lawyer Development