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Overview

West Coast giant Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe has been increasingly visible in Europe of late, with the US firm using its Paris operation – rather than the City – as its main hub for growth on this side of the Atlantic. The firm has had a presence in London since 1998.

The firm's expansive stance almost resulted in a merger with the legacy Dewey Ballantine in 2006, with talks reaching an advanced stage before conflicts over the new firm's management resulted in the discussion being abandoned.

History

Orrick's roots trace back to 1863 in San Francisco where it assisted in the formation of some of the state's oldest institutions and industrial corporations and the financing of much of the state's infrastructure. The firm later expanded to New York City, which is now its largest office.

Culture

Orrick counts all associate and of counsel pro bono hours toward their billable requirement. In 2007, nearly 75% of Orrick lawyers each donated 20 hours or more to pro bono legal services.

Key departments

The firm as a whole focuses principally on litigation, finance and corporate, while the London office – known as Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) – is focused on structured finance and debt capital markets, equity capital markets and cross-border M&A and is headed up by real estate partner Anne O'Neill (pictured).

National/international coverage

Orrick operates a far-reaching international network comprising 21 offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia. In Europe, the firm has branches in Berlin, Duesseldorf, Frankfurt, London, Milan, Moscow, Paris and Rome. Meanwhile, an extensive Asian network takes in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Taipei and Tokyo.

In September 2008 the firm sealed a merger deal with German corporate independent Hoelters & Elsing, giving the firm its first foothold in Europe's largest economy.

Key clients

Leading partners

In London, the key players in the structured finance group are Martin Bartlam – who stepped down from the role of London managing partner to return to fee earning in 2010 – and Jim Waddington, who have brought high-profile deals such as the first European credit derivative product company to the firm. Key lawyers in the M&A group include Peter O'Driscoll and Hilary Winter.

Career prospects

Salaries

First-year trainees at Orrick begin on £38,000, going up to £42,000 for second-years.

Recruitment

Orrick now takes on 10 trainees in the City each year. For details of the firm's graduate recruitment in London, where the training principal is Simon Cockshutt, click here.

The key recruitment contact for the London office is Charlotte Dee. For details about opportunities for laterals, legal assistants and professional staff, click here.

Work-life balance

Diversity

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