A number of key indicators from the 2025 Vault Rankings show Haynes Boone and a handful of its programs among the very best in the legal industry. The rankings, which are the result of Vault’s Annual Associate Survey, aim to show the effectiveness of law firms’ employee quality of life, career development and job satisfaction.
Haynes Boone’s summer associate program was chief among the firm’s shining accolades in the rankings, earning the following placements:
- Best Overall Summer Associate Program – 16th (up from 19th last year)
- Summer Associate Career Development – 16th (up 30th last year)
- Summer Associate Social Experience – 22nd
- Summer Associate Attorney Interactions – 25th
The firm also achieved rankings for its wellness initiative (13th overall for the second consecutive year), use of technology and innovation (15th, up from 18th last year) and diversity for individuals with disabilities (23rd, up from 26th last year). The recently released Chambers Associate Survey confirmed Vault’s assessment of Haynes Boone as a culture leader, grading the firm in its “Excellent Performer” category (equivalent of top 25) in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as well as retention.
“It is a great honor to see our summer associate program recognized among the industry’s best,” said Haynes Boone Firm-Wide Entry-Level Hiring Partner Brad Holdbrook. “Our objective every year is not only to bring in the best and the brightest law students, but to also ensure that they see Haynes Boone as a place to grow a productive, engaging career. To have our associates reflect that sentiment in their survey responses means we’re getting it right.”
Haynes Boone summer associates spend 9-10 weeks in offices across the country deeply engaged in career development and network-building. They attend depositions, court hearings, practice group meetings and more to gain experience, and they are paired with supervising attorney mentors who work with them every day throughout the summer term, teaching them substantive skills and legal insights to jumpstart their careers.
The retention ranking is reflective of Haynes Boone’s excellent attorney development department and low attrition rate. Of the seven lawyers promoted to partner in 2024, five have spent their entire careers with Haynes Boone – four being former summer associates. Meanwhile, the high DEI mark mirrors the firm’s Mansfield 6.0 Plus certification, earned by increasing and measuring inclusion and equal opportunity in leadership. Read the firm’s most recent annual DEI Progress Report here.