Firm Summary
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati PC
Since it was founded in Silicon Valley in 1961, Wilson Sonsini has had its finger on the pulse of innovation and the needs of emerging companies. The firm originally came into prominence by advising the tech and life science industries, banks, and venture capitalists, and its strong roots in the tech sector only grew from there. Today the firm serves a broad range of tech clients, including those in cutting-edge sectors like semiconductors, social media, biotech, and renewable energy. Wilson Sonsini’s venture capital practice has seen equally impressive growth, having raised billions of dollars for thousands of companies over the years. Branching out from its Palo Alto roots, the firm now employs around 750 attorneys in 16 offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Firm Stats
- Firm Name
- Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati PC
- U.S. Lawyer Headcount
- 831
- Headcount Change Since 2016
Overall
+94
Partner
+51
- Salary Scale
- Market
- Bonus Category
- Full Match < 2000 Hours Billable Requirement
- Hours Required
- 1,800 - 2,000
- Mandatory Arbitration?
-
Yes
Chance to opt out in first 30 days
- Top Feeder Schools
- Georgetown University Law Center, Harvard Law School, UC Berkeley School of Law
- Average Lawyer Tenure at Firm (Years)
- 5.1
- Revenue Per Lawyer Change Over Five Years
- 18%
- Women Partners (as Percentage of U.S. Lawyer Headcount)
- 6%
- Women Partners (As a Percentage of U.S. Partnership)
- 27%
- Promotion Rate
- 5%
- Most Common Federal Case Types
- Finance, Intellectual Property, Antitrust
- Most Active Federal Jurisdictions
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- Frequent Federal Litigation Clients
- Google Inc., Alphabet Inc., Lupin Ltd.
Firm Policies
Work/Life Balance
- 18 weeks primary caregiver leave
- Flex and/or reduced hours
- Subsidized backup care/emergency dependent care
- Telecommuting
Benefits and Perks
- $17.5K bar stipend
- Direct billing with preferred movers, movement of car, preferred treatment from lenders
- $0-3K stub bonus
- Pro rata payback required if associate leaves in 12 month
Superstars
David Yi Wang
Corporate Strategic Innovation Counsel
Always on the cutting edge of technology, Wang serves as Corporate Strategic Innovation Counsel and leads the firm’s innovation efforts for its corporate department. Wang recently made the news for leading the firm’s new chatbot program for summer associates.
Gary R. Greenstein
Partner - Technology Transactions
A D.C.-based partner in the firm’s Technology Transactions practice, Greenstein has built a storied career in the music industry. Last year, Billboard named Greenstein to its annual list of Top Music Lawyers.
Douglas Carsten
Partner - Litigation
The head of the firm’s San Diego litigation practice, Carsten specializes in a wide range of technology IP matters, and has made a name trying high-profile, billion-dollar patent cases. The Daily Journal recently recognized Carsten as one of 2019’s Top Intellectual Property Lawyers in California.
Katharine A Martin
Partner, Chair of the Board
Corporate partner and Chair of the firm’s board, Palo Alto-based Martin is highly renowned in the corporate and securities arenas. Having racked up countless accolades and awards over the years, Martin made headlines for representing Lyft as it went public.
Weiheng Chen
Partner
The head of the firm’s Greater China practice, Chen focuses on cross-border M&A, private equity, and capital markets matters. China Business Law Journal recently included Chen in its annual A-List of China’s Elite 50 Lawyers.
Above the Law Coverage
-
Biglaw Firm Offering $100K+ For Employees Who Can Convince Old Partners To Use Tech
Now here’s an idea!
-
How Is Your Summer Associate Program? Because Steph Curry Is Hanging Out With These Summers
Most meet and greets with clients aren’t this cool.
-
Another Biglaw Firm Raises Billing Requirements In The Wake Of The Pay Raise
This is becoming a trend, and it’s not surprising.
-
West Coast Biglaw Leader Hands Out Market Bonuses — If You Bill Enough
Failing to hit your hours threshold comes with a financial penalty.
The Law Firm Transparency Project draws upon Above the Law research as well as data provided by Leopard Solutions and UniCourt. Click here for an expanded methodology and definition of terms.
