Working as an Associate at Goodwin: Frequently Asked Questions

At Goodwin, you'll work with innovative companies, investors, and financial institutions across our core industries: technology, life sciences, private equity, real estate, healthcare, and investment funds and capital. Our lawyers advise clients on their most important transactions, disputes, regulatory matters, and growth opportunities, combining deep industry knowledge with practical business judgment. For lateral associates, that means meaningful responsibility, collaboration across practices, and the opportunity to build expertise while working on sophisticated matters that shape industries around the world.

Learning doesn't stop after onboarding. Goodwin invests more than $6 million annually in attorney and professional staff development and offers more than 300 in-house training programs each year. Associates have access to leadership development programs, business development training, professional coaching, skills workshops, and professional development allowances for external learning opportunities.

Associates benefit from a combination of formal training, mentorship, regular feedback, and hands-on experience. Lawyers at every level are encouraged to develop not only their legal skills, but also leadership, client relationship, business development, and management capabilities that support long-term career success.

Associates are expected to bill a minimum of 1,950 hours annually. In addition to client work, associates are encouraged to invest time in learning and professional development, recruiting, publications, firm committees, and other initiatives that contribute to the success of the firm and its community.

Absolutely. Pro bono service is a core part of our culture. Goodwin serves more than 1,000 pro bono clients annually, and 100% of approved pro bono hours receive billable-hour credit. Lawyers have opportunities to work on matters involving immigration, civil rights, voting rights, nonprofit organizations, veterans' advocacy, criminal justice reform, and many other areas that create meaningful impact in communities around the world.

Our lawyers are expected to work in the office Monday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Fridays. We also offer five "Work From Anywhere" weeks each year, providing additional flexibility while maintaining the collaboration and mentorship that come from working together in person.

Yes. Through our Cross-Office Rotation Experience, eligible senior associates and counsel can spend time working from another Goodwin office in the United States, Europe, or Asia. These rotations provide valuable opportunities to expand professional networks, deepen relationships across practices, and gain exposure to different markets and clients.

We offer a broad range of programs and benefits designed to support our lawyers both personally and professionally, including flexible vacation, mental health resources, family-building benefits, wellness programs, and unique initiatives such as Recharge on Goodwin, which provides eligible lawyers reimbursement for vacation-related expenses. Our goal is to help our lawyers thrive both inside and outside the office.