There is no one better situated to tell you why you should work at Wilson Sonsini than the people who already work here. Our attorneys have a lot to say about the reasons why they chose to come work at Wilson Sonsini—and why they choose to stay.
I became a lawyer for the work, but I’m still a lawyer because of the people. Being a lawyer is amazing because you can solve problems by reading, writing, and talking to people. But it’s a hard job, a stressful job. That kind of stress is so hard to deal with if you’re not on a team with people you trust and people you admire. The thing that’s brought me the most joy is chasing people—finding people I admire and saying, “I want to be on your team.” That is what I hope you all find. Find a group of people that you like and want to be your friends, and it can be the best job ever.
The thing I value most about working at Wilson Sonsini is that the firm actually cares. When I was coming up I had the impression that there was a smoke-filled room where people decided things. There isn’t. People here actually want to do what is right.
What’s kept me here has been the numerous opportunities in the type of work that I’ve been able to do. My work has been very exciting; I’ve worked with companies at all stages, and I’ve watched companies grow from literally an individual in a garage to a public company and designed patent portfolios for those companies.
We think about associate development from the outset. Our most valuable assets are the people. I need people around me who I trust and who are trusted by my clients. So we look for potential and then develop the potential. When I thought about where I wanted to make partner and build a practice, I wanted it to be here because the firm understands the importance of clients who may not generate revenue now or in the near future but have real potential to be great. We identify what clients need to be successful and help them with all the resources that the firm offers (and creates). We think the same way about associates. We partners discuss—what do they need to learn, what experiences do they need to have, who do they need to meet, what resources do they need to be great….
We have the coolest clients you could ever ask for. We are sitting in the room with the founders who are coming up with the technology that will cure cancer. They are so smart and interesting to talk to and you get to talk to them every day. There’s never a dull day. There’s never a day when I don’t learn something new. And to be able to do that with people I like and respect—that’s a gift and I appreciate it every day.
The people here are the firm’s strength. That’s what keeps me going all day—being excited about the clients and these technologies that will change the world, and then the collegiality of the people I work with.
One of the reasons I chose Wilson was the pro bono program, specifically the unlimited pro bono billable hours and real commitment of associates and partners to pro bono projects. Pro bono work is now a cornerstone of my practice, and is a great opportunity to help others and gain important experience both in my practice area and in other areas.
Let your own authenticity guide your path. My favorite part of my job is advising management teams and boards on their most sensitive matters, but there is not just one way to be a lawyer or partner. At Wilson Sonsini you can choose your own path. The culture of the firm mirrors the entrepreneurial culture of our clients. We are totally invested in you succeeding as your authentic self.
