Seward & Kissel Culture and Practice

At Seward & Kissel, the culture and practice are deeply rooted in the firm's history and values. The firm was founded in 1911 by two lawyers, and it has since grown to become a leading law firm in the financial services industry.

Seward & Kissel's culture is built on a strong sense of community and teamwork. The firm's lawyers and staff work together to deliver exceptional service to their clients.

The firm's practice is focused on serving the needs of the financial services industry, including investment management, real estate, and corporate law. Seward & Kissel's lawyers have a deep understanding of the industry and are well-equipped to handle complex transactions and disputes.

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Seward & Kissel was founded in 1890, making it a law firm with a rich history.

The firm has offices in two major cities: New York City and Washington, D.C.

Seward & Kissel primarily focuses on corporate and litigation work for clients in the financial services, corporate finance, and capital markets areas.

The firm's attorneys are highly experienced and well-regarded in their respective practice areas, many having spent most of their careers at Seward & Kissel.

Seward & Kissel is particularly known for representing major commercial banks, investment banking firms, and transportation companies, particularly in the shipping area.

The firm's focus on professional excellence and sound judgment has created a work culture that is dedicated to providing high-quality, hands-on legal service to clients.

At Seward & Kissel, the law practice is surprisingly supportive, with associates feeling protected and respected, even when making mistakes. This is a far cry from the stereotype of a high-stress law career.

Associates are encouraged to share their input and ideas, with one junior being "shocked" by the level of participation. This collaborative culture extends beyond just the seniors, with junior attorneys being friendly with each other and not feeling competitive.

The firm's friendly culture is maintained by its size, which allows everyone to know each other, and is even fostered through extracurricular activities like pie-making contests and ugly sweater contests.

Law Practice is a vital aspect of any legal system, and understanding its nuances can be incredibly valuable.

Seward & Kissel LLP is a prime example of a law practice that has been around for a long time, with an external link available for those who want to learn more.

The structure and organization of a law practice can vary greatly, but one thing is certain: it requires a deep understanding of the law and its application in real-world situations.

Seward & Kissel LLP's law practice has been around for a long time, with a wealth of experience and expertise that can be leveraged by clients in need of legal guidance.

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The culture at Seward is surprisingly friendly and supportive.

Mistakes are actually viewed as opportunities for growth, with juniors being treated with respect and calmness when errors occur.

The firm's commitment to this culture is evident in the way everyone knows and interacts with each other.

In fact, the junior attorneys are known to be very friendly with each other, and there's a lack of competition among them.

The culture committee organizes fun events like pie-making contests, ugly sweater contests, and a "back to school" event where everyone wears their school colors.

People at Seward are genuinely committed to maintaining a friendly culture, even in a high-level law firm environment.

Associates at Seward & Kissel are drawn to the firm's industry-leading reputation and incredible culture. The firm's midsized size is also a sweet spot for many, offering a balance between resources and a more collegial feel.

The firm's compensation structure is market-based, with a discretionary bonus awarded to associates who meet certain billable and non-billable hour requirements. Associates can earn up to $235,000 in their second year.

The firm's career development program is designed to foster a versatile and skilled group of attorneys, with a focus on long-term career growth and professional satisfaction. The program includes a structured approach to developing essential skills, such as firm citizenship, project management, and client relations.

Here's a snapshot of the firm's career development statistics:

The firm's hybrid work environment allows associates to work remotely one or two days a week, with flexibility to work additional remote days if needed.

Associates at Seward & Kissel were drawn to the firm for various reasons. Some were attracted to its industry-leading reputation and incredible culture, which was evident from their first interview.

A collegial feel was also a major draw for some associates. They wanted to work at a firm that paid a BigLaw salary but had a more relaxed atmosphere, where they could spend time with their coworkers rather than being overwhelmed by a large team.

The firm's midsized status was a sweet spot for some associates, offering a balance between the resources of a large law firm and the personal attention of a boutique firm.

Here are some reasons why associates joined Seward & Kissel:

Seward has brought in a professional development team to implement a more formal training program, including events like the recent "investment bootcamp" that was a huge hit with associates.

The firm has rolled out a training curriculum with specific training for each class year, which helps set clear expectations for success. This approach has been well-received by associates, who appreciate the flexibility and options it offers.

Associates at Seward are assigned a partner mentor and an associate mentor who is close to them in class year, providing valuable guidance and support. This mentorship system helps newbies navigate the firm and build their careers.

Seward's small group structure allows associates to create their own career paths, with plenty of opportunities to explore different options. This approach is particularly appealing to those who want to balance their own goals with the firm's needs.

The firm's commitment to remote working practices has been a major plus for associates, who appreciate the flexibility and trust it shows. Mondays and Fridays are typically work-from-home days, and the firm offers fully remote periods during the summer and holidays.

To get hired, start by building a strong professional network, which can be done by attending industry events and joining professional organizations.

Networking can lead to job opportunities, as 70% of jobs are found through connections, not job boards.

Your online presence is also crucial, with 80% of employers checking social media profiles before hiring.

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and showcases your skills and experience.

A well-written resume is also essential, with the average recruiter spending only 6 seconds reviewing a resume before deciding whether to move forward.

Associates at Seward have a target of 2,000 billable hours, with 1,850 hours needing to be client billables.

The remaining 150 hours can be made up of pro bono, recruiting, mentoring, and professional development activities, which some associates felt should be separated from client billable hours.

A special bonus is offered to attorneys who bill 2,200 hours, with an additional tier for those who exceed that amount significantly.

Associates generally report a good work-life balance, with concentrated hours on weekdays and extra time off on weekends.

Expensing dinner and an Uber home during late work periods can help soften the blow, but some associates still report working long hours during busy periods.

A career at Seward is described as the "perfect balance of making market salary and having a little bit of time to yourself to enjoy the salary you make."

Working at Seward & Kissel is a great experience for many reasons. The firm's 2,000 hour billable target is a good starting point for understanding the work environment.

Associates have to meet a target of 1,850 client billables, with the remaining 150 hours able to be counted towards the target from pro bono, recruiting, mentoring, and professional development activities.

Some associates felt it would be better if pro bono and firm hours were separate, allowing for more engagement in both areas.

However, experienced partners are willing to help juniors in their group make the hours target, which is a major positive for many associates.

A special bonus is offered for attorneys who bill 2,200 hours, and a third-tier bonus for those who bill significantly more.

Associates generally report a good work-life balance, with hours concentrated on weekdays and extra days off on the weekends.

This balance is a major draw for many, who feel it's the perfect combination of making market salary and having time to enjoy it.

At Seward & Kissel, community and pro bono work are a big part of the firm's culture. The summer associates complete a pro bono project, and after joining the firm full-time, they're encouraged to continue working on pro bono matters.

The firm has a long-standing relationship with Her Justice, a nonprofit that provides free legal help to women in New York living in poverty. Select associates are put on pro bono matters with the organization, working on cases in areas like family, matrimonial, and immigration law.

Some associates wish there was more emphasis on pro bono as part of the junior experience, but a wide variety of matters are available for associates to work on. These include asylum cases, representing veterans, and helping people whose Social Security disability benefits or Supplementary Security Income applications had been denied.

The firm also carries out pro bono work in areas of expertise, such as the maritime & transportation division of the corporate department. They work on pro bono matters alongside their usual work.

Here are some statistics on pro bono hours at Seward & Kissel:

Seward & Kissel has received impressive ratings and recognition from prominent legal directories. They were ranked in 4 practices by Chambers USA 2019, including Investment Management, Corporate/M&A, Bankruptcy/Restructuring, and Maritime Finance.

Their lawyers have been highly regarded, with 14 lawyers ranked by Chambers USA 2019. This is a testament to their expertise and dedication to their clients.

In addition, 25 lawyers from the firm were ranked as SuperLawyers, a distinction that highlights their exceptional skills and experience.

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Seward & Kissel continues to be a leading resource in the funds space, with significant growth in this area.

The firm is well-positioned to capitalize on the trend of private capital, particularly private equity and private credit. They're expanding their private credit and funds practice, as well as their business transactions and loan agency practices.

Combining separate corporate departments into a single, integrated corporate practice group will allow associates to receive broader training across the corporate practice. This will give them the opportunity to work on a variety of matters and become well-rounded lawyers.

Even if an associate specializes in M&A long term, they will gain experience in areas like loans, capital markets, and secured finance. This exposure will be beneficial for newbies, as our associate sources agree that it's good for juniors to get experience in different areas.

Seward & Kissel has been involved in several high-profile lawsuits over the years.

In 2012, the Delaware Court of Chancery ruled in favor of a group of plaintiffs represented by Seward & Kissel, enjoining the sale of BankAtlantic by BankAtlantic Bancorp (BBX) to Branch Bank & Trust due to contractual rights violations.

This decision was significant because it sent a message to banks with trust preferred securities that they cannot infringe on the rights of TruPS holders when restructuring.

Seward & Kissel was sued by Gray Financial Group in a Georgia federal court in May 2016 for $12 million, alleging malpractice and negligence in advising Gray to sell funds to a state pension.

The firm responded by calling the allegations "meritless and sanctionable."

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