Laterals
All our offices welcome applications from experienced lawyers. At Davis Polk, lateral hires immediately become integral members of teams that are assisting clients in critical transactions and legal matters.
In addition to our leading U.S. law practice in each office, we practice English law in London; English and Hong Kong law in Hong Kong; and Brazilian law in São Paulo.
To practice U.S. law in one of our non-U.S. offices, you must have a New York, California or District of Columbia bar admission and comply with any local requirements. To practice local law in a non-U.S. office, you must be admitted locally.
Judicial clerks
We deeply value the experience and insights that former clerks bring to their practice at Davis Polk.
Individuals who join the firm directly after completing a judicial clerkship for a U.S. federal or state court or a Canadian court will be eligible to receive a bonus for a one- or two-year clerkship or two one-year clerkships. Individuals who join the firm directly after completing a judicial clerkship for the U.S. Supreme Court may be eligible for an additional bonus.
We are currently considering post-clerkship applications for those who would join the firm this year. Applications for those interested in joining in 2026 will be considered beginning in January. To apply, please email your resume and law school transcript to the relevant recruiting contact below.
Why Davis Polk
Lawyers who joined Davis Polk as laterals or after clerking share why this is a premier firm to advance your career.
Open positions
Notice to lateral applicants: All lateral inquiries and submissions must be sent directly to one of the Davis Polk contacts listed below. Any lateral inquiry or submission sent to anyone else will not be considered, and any representation will not be recognized.
Roles in New York
Practice Resource Attorney – Real Estate
The Real Estate group is seeking an experienced Practice Resource attorney who has a background in Commercial Real Estate who will work closely with Real Estate partners to develop and implement projects designed to meet the knowledge needs of the Real Estate practice group, including substantive and skill-based trainings, knowledge management and client-facing initiatives.
Read the job description
Associate – IP Litigation
The IP Litigation group is seeking an associate with 3 to 7 years of experience working on and managing patent and trade-secret cases. Experience taking/defending depositions and teaching younger associates preferred. High level of academic achievement and solid law firm experience preferred. The expected base salary range is $260,000-$420,000.
Roles in Northern California
Associate – IP Litigation
The IP Litigation group is seeking an associate with 3 to 7 years of experience working on and managing patent and trade-secret cases. Experience taking/defending depositions and teaching younger associates preferred. High level of academic achievement and solid law firm experience preferred. The expected base salary range is $260,000-$420,000.
Our hiring process
Submit your application
The Davis Polk legal recruiting contacts listed below welcome inquiries from experienced lawyers and current judicial clerks interested in opportunities at the firm.
As noted above, any lateral inquiry or submission sent to anyone other than the Legal Recruiting Department will not be considered, and any representation will not be recognized.
For judicial clerks, we are currently considering post-clerkship applications for those who would join the firm this year. Applications for those interested in joining in 2026 will be considered beginning in January. To apply, please email your resume, law school transcript, and cover letter to the relevant recruiting contact below.
Schedule your interview
You may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. While these are typically conducted virtually, we would welcome the opportunity for you to visit the office should scheduling allow.
Review your offer
Our partners will typically reach out by phone to personally extend an offer. Applicants will receive a formal offer by email, including information about firm benefits and individuals to contact for additional information.
Begin your onboarding
Upon acceptance of your offer, you will receive our onboarding paperwork. Once pre-employment checks are complete, we will arrange your start date. At Davis Polk, we are proud to provide a comprehensive, high-touch onboarding experience designed to ensure a smooth transition and set you up for success at the firm. Our program not only familiarizes you with our people and resources, but also equips you with the tools and support needed to build and develop your practice effectively from day one.
Find your location’s legal recruiter
Applying for a role in a specific city? Submit your application to that location’s legal recruiter for consideration.
U.S. offices
New York
Legal Recruiting
lateral@davispolk.com
Northern California*
Isabelle Ting
Senior Manager, Legal Recruiting
isabelle.ting@davispolk.com
+1 650 752 2032
*California Applicants – view our CPRA Privacy Policy / Notice of Collection
Washington DC
Samantha Sebanakitta
Manager, Legal Recruiting & Professional Development
samantha.sebanakitta@davispolk.com
+1 202 962 7147
International offices
London
Adele Barrett
Senior Manager, HR - Europe
londonrecruiting@davispolk.com
+44 20 7418 1304
Brussels, Madrid, São Paulo and Tokyo
Cristina Attard
Senior Manager, Legal Recruiting
cristina.attard@davispolk.com
+1 212 450 6529
Beijing and Hong Kong
Tina Zhao
Senior Manager, Legal Recruiting - Asia
tina.zhao@davispolk.com
+86 10 8567 5036
We are committed to inclusion
We approach every challenge as a team, with each individual bringing unique insights and strengths to the table. We recruit outstanding talent and ensure every person is valued and has the opportunity to succeed.
We are passionate about pro bono
We serve a wide range of pro bono clients with the determination and legal excellence that define our broader culture. Lawyers across the firm work on pro bono matters alongside one of the largest dedicated pro bono legal teams.