The American Lawyer Highlights Rising Competition for Early-Career Legal Talent

The American Lawyer has published an article by Patrick Smith examining Davis Polk’s newly announced $25,000 stipend for law students who complete qualifying pro bono or community-focused work during their 1L summer - and who later join the firm as part of its 2L summer class. The move signals a widening trend across elite firms as competition intensifies for top law school talent earlier in the recruiting cycle.

The article places Davis Polk’s program alongside similar initiatives at other leading firms, including Kirkland & Ellis, noting how stipends and early-pipeline programs have evolved in response to market pressures and shifting policy language around scholarships and inclusivity.

Macrae New York Partner Jon Truster adds perspective on the broader implications for the talent market, noting that attracting exceptional junior lawyers remains central to the long-term strength of elite firms: “Bringing on the best and the brightest allows firms to continue to serve their clients at the highest levels. Firms have to use every competitive advantage at their disposal.”

Read the full article from Patrick Smith for The American Lawyer here.

Please note: A subscription may be required to access the full article.

For more insights, connect directly with Jon Truster or reach out to our team at Macrae here.