Founded in 1889 in New York City, the firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher has a reputation for having one of the most intelligent and sophisticated groups of attorneys in the city. With a political history that includes name partner Wendell Willkie's run against FDR in the 1940 presidential election, as well as recruiting former New York governor Mario Cuomo as a partner, the firm's 540 attorney team have a high standard to uphold. Professionally, Willkie Farr is famous for handling large M & A, bankruptcy, and litigation cases. Although Willkie Farr has offices in eight worldwide locations, the firm seems to share a special connection with New York City. Local luminaries like Donald Trump and current mayor Michael Bloomberg have found Willkie Farr to be the firm to hire for their business troubles. Indeed, Willkie has assisted the Donald in the restructuring of several of his properties, including the Taj Mahal and the Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino. Besides its New York and Washington D.C. offices, the firm also has a substantial presence in Europe. Its Paris office, which has been open since 1921, has contributed greatly to the European M & A scene. One of its superstar lawyers, Daniel Payan, recently made it onto The Lawyer's "The Hot 100" list of influential European lawyers. Despite falling into the category of large-sized firms, Willkie Farr seems to be immune to the dreariness that befalls so many similarly-situated firms. Describing the associates as being friendly at this firm is a huge understatement. A wide spectrum of associate personalities exists at Willkie Farr, with the low end described as being approachable and the high end as downright rambunctious. The absence of a billable hours requirement has not decreased the long hours put in by associates at Willkie, yet the firm has been known to encourage a balanced lifestyle and to remind its workaholic associates to take vacations and days off. To get recruited at this friendly and well-established firm, try graduating from a top ten law school. Willkie has been known to favor the top schools in the Northeast and usually doesn't stray too far from them when hiring first-years and summer associates. But the firm will also consider the very best candidates regional to their offices. For example, the New York office has a sprinkling of Brooklyn, St. John's, and Fordham law school graduates. In general, the firm looks for candidates who are bright as well as socially competent. Yet with such stellar associates to choose from, Willkie Farr seems to be inconsistent when it comes to partner prospects. This year, seven associates were raised to the illustrious title of partner; while in 2003, the firm elevated only two of its associates. Once hired, associates are free to enjoy some of the best perks around. The many benefits afforded to Willkie associates include subsidized health club membership, bonuses for earning an MBA or a clerkship and four weeks of vacation time. First-years are paid the usual competitive Manhattan rate of $125,000, with some associates feeling additionally compensated by their happy workplace and others feeling slightly poor by the cost of living in New York. Jobs Willkie Farr & Gallagher currently has several openings in its Manhattan and Washington D.C. offices, including opportunities for experienced bankruptcy, corporate, litigation, and tax associates. More information regarding attorney positions at Willkie Farr can be found in the LawCrossing job database.

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