Overview
Introduction
With approximately 350 lawyers across 10 offices—including two international posts—Bracewell LLP is a global firm with a range of practices. But the firm’s Texas roots are still as strong as ever, demonstrated by its strength in energy and four offices within the state. And if there was any doubt about its Southern roots, just ask the associates who rave about the firm’s friendly, hospitable culture.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2024)
No. of Partners Named (2023)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2024)
No. of Summer Associates (2024)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
Any law student interested in doing high-level work, particularly within Texas, would be remiss not to give Bracewell a look. Bracewell associates describe it as one of the more social firms, with regularly occurring social events and a collegial day-to-day culture. Associates are treated with respect and appreciate how transparent the managing partnership is about expectations and promotions. The billable hour requirement of 2,000 is viewed as high, but achievable and fair, and with compensation that matches the market, associates are generally satisfied. Both transactional and litigation associates rate the quality of the work they do as substantive and appropriate for their levels. Technology, while good, could be improved, although the IT team receives glowing reviews for how ...
About the Firm
With approximately 350 lawyers across 10 offices—including two international posts—Bracewell LLP is a global firm with a range of practices. But the firm’s roots in the Lone Star state are still strong as is demonstrated by its four Texas locations and its strength in energy.
Hailing from Houston
Bracewell started as a glimmer in the eyes of four Houston attorneys (three of whom bore the surname Bracewell) in 1945. J.S. Bracewell, his sons Searcy and Fentress, and Bert H. Tunks established a practice that was quickly associated with Texas movers and shakers—Searcy Bracewell himself was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1947 and Senate in 1949. Harry Patterson joined in 1951 and ascended to name partner in 1966. Originally a litigation shop, the firm established a co...
Associate Reviews
- “Bracewell lawyers have always been mindful of the importance of ensuring a great firm culture. To that end, lawyers actively engage and organize events intended to bring lawyers together outside of work and work-related meetings. As of now, there is at least one organized event a week that is not tied to a CLE program or a client development event. Lawyers and staff also get along well and have a real sense of teamwork.”
- “The day-to-day atmosphere is very pleasant and collegial. Most doors remain open throughout the day, and it is fairly common to socialize if several attorneys have free moments in their schedules. There are several firm-sponsored events per month.”
- “We have an extremely friendly and congenial culture. There is a lot of mutual respect and collaboration amongst staff, associates, and partners. Everyone genuinely enjoys working with one another, and it is evident in our day-to-day interactions, the high-quality work we produce for clients, and the overall satisfaction of everyone that works here.”
- “The day-to-day atmosphere at the firm is positive and collaborative. The attorneys work hard, but remain consistently friendly and helpful, and frequently socialize together.”
Why Work Here
Hands-on experience, combined with meaningful interactions with partners and associates, make Bracewell an ideal place to launch your legal career. Our summer associate program offers opportunities to work on substantive legal matters, professional development training, formal and informal mentoring, and social activities that allow you to form lasting connections.
Getting Hired Here
- “Bracewell tends to focus on candidates from either the top schools around the country, or the high achieving candidates at local schools. For the Houston office, Bracewell focuses on the University of Texas Law School, SMU Dedman School of Law, Tulane Law School, and the University of Houston Law School. Grades, journal experience, personality, and diversity all seem to play key roles in the hiring process.”
- “Clear feeder schools are UT, UVA, and recently Tulane and SMU. The firm generally requires students to place at or near the top of their class, but also has a very strong emphasis on summer associates fitting the firm's culture, so personality is a bigger factor here than at other very competitive firms.”
- “The firm is looking for candidates with good grades, but who are also leaders, and involved in leadership positions, and also have a collaborative personality, who want to work with people.”
- “We look for well-rounded, intelligent, and pleasant law students to fill our ranks. Big emphasis on culture and collaboration that bleeds into our recruiting philosophy.”
Perks & Benefits