Founded in 1946 on principles of collegiality, collaboration, individuality and legal excellence, Cleary Gottlieb strives to embody these principles while cultivating the best legal talent in the industry and exceeding the often complex and demanding needs of our global clients. We operate a single, integrated worldwide firm, with 12 offices in eight different countries.
We rely on our lawyers at all levels of seniority to collectively create the best client work product. From the beginning, our associates are part of a collaborative endeavor and are expected to solve problems – not just take directions. New associates work in teams with our more experienced lawyers and are given substantive assignments and significant responsibility right away.
When you have questions, you’ll find lawyers at all levels of seniority who are ready to guide you, whether or not they are assigned to your matter. This collegiality is a cornerstone of our culture at Cleary Gottlieb. It guides everything from whom we hire to our “lock-step” compensation system.
Cleary Gottlieb lawyers, not only at the associate level, but also at the partner level, are compensated based solely on seniority. Hours billed and the amount of business generated have no effect on any Cleary Gottlieb lawyer’s compensation; lawyers are rewarded just as much for helping their colleagues as they are for helping themselves.
Our reasoning is not complicated. The best work product results from talented people working in a common enterprise, sharing their knowledge, time and experience with colleagues.
Only a handful of firms around the world are so confident of their core values that they are willing to share the rewards of their work in the way that we do. Generations of Cleary Gottlieb lawyers have proven there is no better way to foster excellence.