A top-flight paralegal program
As a Davis Polk paralegal, you will work with outstanding lawyers in a collaborative environment. You will have the opportunity to grow, make your mark and achieve your goals while providing best-in-class service to our clients on their most significant matters.
We offer a premier entry-level paralegal program for recent college graduates who are considering law school or a career in the corporate world. Our senior paralegals leverage a specialized skill set and their experience to support specific practices areas. We are proud that many of our senior paralegals have built their careers with the firm. Whatever your objective, you can expect substantive work, direct client contact, meaningful mentoring and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Davis Polk paralegals assist our lawyers in all stages of corporate transactions and the litigation process. Paralegals work on substantive drafting assignments, conduct regulatory research, assist with corporate due diligence, and prepare court documents and presentations.
Why Davis Polk
Davis Polk paralegals and lawyers share how our paralegal program can be a stepping stone to a career as a lawyer.
Our hiring process
Submit your application
For entry-level positions in the United States please email your resume, cover letter, college transcript and a short academic writing sample to the relevant contact below.
For all other positions and offices, please apply using the link in the job posting or the relevant contact.
Schedule your interview
We may ask you to participate in one or multiple interviews. Interviews are typically conducted virtually.
Review your offer
All selected applicants will receive a formal offer by email, including information about firm benefits and individuals to contact for additional information.
Begin your onboarding
We pride ourselves on an engaging, informative onboarding process that will give you a good grounding in Davis Polk’s culture and systems, coupled with all the training you will need for your new role and responsibilities.
FAQs
What qualifications does Davis Polk look for in an entry-level paralegal?
We seek college graduates with strong academic records who are motivated and detail-oriented and can manage a varied workload. Outstanding oral and written skills, as well as exceptional interpersonal skills, are required. An interest in the legal profession, as demonstrated through relevant coursework, work experience and extracurricular activities, is a plus. For corporate positions, an economics/STEM background is preferred.
We hire corporate paralegals to support lawyers on transactional work across numerous practice groups, including Capital Markets, Derivatives & Structured Products, Finance, Financial Institutions and Restructuring. Our litigation paralegals support lawyers in our Antitrust & Competition, Civil Litigation, IP Litigation, and White Collar Defense & Investigations groups in all phases of the litigation practice.
Are paralegals assigned to specific practice areas?
Most of our corporate paralegals are hired into specific practice groups while our litigation paralegals are generalists. You can see the full list of Davis Polk practice areas on our Capabilities page.
How are assignments distributed to paralegals?
Assignments are staffed by paralegal managers or lawyers on an as-needed basis.
Does the firm offer LSAT assistance?
In our U.S. offices, the firm offers a one-time reimbursement of up to $1,000 for paralegals taking an LSAT preparatory course.
Do paralegals return as associates?
Many of our paralegals have returned to the firm as associates.
What should applicants know about the timeline to apply for U.S. paralegal roles?
Job openings for our paralegal roles are usually posted on an as needed basis. Entry-level positions are typically posted in December for corporate paralegals and January for litigation paralegals. New hires typically start in June and July of the following year.
Find your location’s recruiter
New York
Jackie Doyle
Director, Corporate Paralegals
corp.paralegalrecruiting@davispolk.com
+1 212 450 4000
John E. Hagen
Senior Manager, Litigation Paralegals
lit.paralegalrecruiting@davispolk.com
+1 212 450 5841
Northern California
Tibisay Boggio
Director, Northern California Office Administration
tibisay.boggio@davispolk.com
+1 650 752 2070
Washington DC
John E. Hagen
Senior Manager, Litigation Paralegals
lit.paralegalrecruiting@davispolk.com
+1 212 450 5841
São Paulo
Ieda Correia
Director, São Paulo Office Administration
hr.sao@davispolk.com
+55 11 4871 8400
London
Clem Payne
Specialist, Human Resources
londonrecruiting@davispolk.com
+44 20 7418 1364
Brussels
Lawrence Morre
Brussels Office Manager
lawrence.morre@davispolk.com
+32 474 702113
Madrid
Olga Fouce
Director, Madrid Office Administration
olga.fouce@davispolk.com
+34 91 768 9600
Hong Kong
Tina Zhao
Senior Manager, Legal Recruiting - Asia
tina.zhao@davispolk.com
+86 10 8567 5036
Beijing
Tina Zhao
Senior Manager, Legal Recruiting - Asia
tina.zhao@davispolk.com
+86 10 8567 5036
Tokyo
Hisako Yamamoto
Director, Tokyo Office Administration
hr.tok@davispolk.com
+81 3 5574 2600
Open positions
No positions are currently available in this category.
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. Paralegals are invited and encouraged to participate alongside our lawyers in a wide range of pro bono projects.