40 Facts About Debevoise & Plimpton

The Origins of Debevoise & Plimpton

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, a name synonymous with legal excellence, has a storied history dating back to the early 20th century. Let's explore the beginnings and evolution of this prestigious firm.

1. Founding: Established in 1931 by Eli Whitney Debevoise and William E. Stevenson in New York City, the firm laid its foundation during a challenging economic period.
2. Original Name: Initially called “Debevoise, Plimpton & McLean,” the name was later shortened to Debevoise & Plimpton, simplifying its identity.

Core Practices and Global Reach

Debevoise & Plimpton has grown into a global powerhouse, specializing in various legal practices and maintaining a significant international presence.

3. Core Practices: The firm excels in private equity, financial services transactions, private funds, and international arbitration.
4. Global Presence: With offices in New York City, Washington D.C., London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Luxembourg, Debevoise operates on a global scale.
5. Number of Lawyers: By 2024, the firm employs around 855 lawyers worldwide, showcasing its expansive reach.

Major Areas of Practice

The firm's expertise spans across multiple legal domains, divided into three primary areas: Corporate, Litigation, and Tax.

6. Corporate Practice: This includes private equity, M&A, insurance, financial services transactions, and fund formation.
7. Litigation Practice: Focuses on complex litigation, white-collar investigations, and international arbitration.
8. Tax Practice: Deals with corporate tax, international tax, and tax disputes.

Notable Clients and Market Leadership

Debevoise & Plimpton has built a reputation for representing high-profile clients and leading the market in various legal practices.

9. Notable Clients: The firm represents prominent clients in transactions and disputes across established and emerging markets.
10. Private Equity Expertise: For over 40 years, Debevoise has been a market leader in the private equity industry, advising clients throughout the private equity life cycle.
11. Funds/Investment Management: The firm’s Funds/Investment Management Group is one of the largest and most diverse, counseling clients on fund formation, transactions, exits, and restructurings.
12. Insurance & Financial Institutions: Handles major compliance challenges, enforcement proceedings, litigation, and marquee M&A transactions and financings.
13. Mergers & Acquisitions: Consistently ranked among the leading M&A firms, advising on sophisticated transactions involving prominent corporations and financial institutions.

Rankings and Recognition

Debevoise & Plimpton's excellence is reflected in its rankings and recognition within the legal industry.

14. Global Rankings: Ranked No. 9 on The American Lawyer's 2022 A-List and No. 18 on Vault's 2024 Rankings of the most prestigious law firms.
15. Profitability: Among the most profitable large law firms globally on a per-partner and per-lawyer basis, according to The American Lawyer's annual AmLaw 100 Survey.
16. 10-Year A-List: Placed overall No. 1 in The American Lawyer's "10-Year A-List," a ranking of firms with the highest cumulative score since 2003.
17. Revenue Per Lawyer: High revenue per lawyer reflects the firm's efficient operations and strong client base.

Commitment to Pro Bono and Diversity

Debevoise & Plimpton is dedicated to pro bono service and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

18. Pro Bono Service: Recognized for its commitment to pro bono work, ranking No. 10 in the Best Law Firms for Pro Bono category.
19. Associate Satisfaction: Consistently ranks high in associate satisfaction, reflecting a supportive and inclusive work environment.
20. Diversity: Known for its diverse workforce, the firm believes diversity strengthens the firm and benefits clients and the community.

Collaborative Culture and Client Focus

The firm's culture emphasizes collaboration and a deep understanding of client needs, leading to superior quality work and client satisfaction.

21. Collaborative Culture: Fosters a collaborative approach across disciplines and regions.
22. Client Focus: Prioritizes understanding the business of its clients, pursuing each matter with intensity and creativity.
23. Market Leadership: Delivers the best of the firm to every client through true collaboration, leading to market leadership in various legal practices.

Notable Partners and High-Profile Cases

Debevoise & Plimpton has had several notable partners and has been involved in high-profile cases, showcasing its legal prowess.

24. Notable Partners: Includes Michael Mukasey, a former U.S. Attorney General, and Lord Goldsmith KC, a former UK Attorney General.
25. Representation in High-Profile Cases: Involved in cases like representing the Sackler family in the opioid scandal and assisting Guantanamo prisoners in their appeals.
26. Opioid Scandal Representation: Represented four members of the Sackler family, receiving over $11.4 million from Purdue Pharma for its legal services.
27. Guantanamo Bay Assistance: Worked on behalf of prisoners held in extrajudicial detention at Guantanamo Bay, filing appeals in federal courts.
28. Take-Two Interactive Software Case: Defended Take-Two Interactive Software in a lawsuit filed by Lindsay Lohan, which was eventually dismissed.

Pro Bono Commitment and Associate Programs

The firm's commitment to pro bono work and the development of its associates is evident in its programs and initiatives.

29. Pro Bono Commitment: Provides extensive support to underserved communities, a focus since the firm’s founding in 1931.
30. Summer Associate Program: Offers a comprehensive program for young lawyers to gain hands-on experience and develop their skills.
31. Training and Development: Invests heavily in the training and development of its lawyers, offering extensive mentoring and career coaching.

Compensation and Leadership

Debevoise & Plimpton offers competitive compensation and is led by experienced professionals dedicated to the firm's success.

32. Base Salary: First-year associates earn $225,000, increasing to $435,000 by the ninth year.
33. Summer Associate Salary: Summer associates receive a salary of $4,330.
34. Managing Partner: Peter A. Furci serves as the managing partner.
35. Hiring Partner: Nicole Levin Mesard is responsible for recruiting top talent.

Office Locations and Contact Information

With multiple offices worldwide, Debevoise & Plimpton is accessible to clients globally.

36. Office Locations: Three U.S. offices and six international offices, including major locations in New York City, Washington D.C., London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Luxembourg.
37. Address: Headquarters located at 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY 10001.
38. Contact Information: Reach the firm at +1 212 909 6000 or via email at [email protected].

Commitment to Excellence

The firm's dedication to excellence in lawyering is recognized through numerous accolades and awards.

39. Commitment to Excellence: Debevoise & Plimpton is committed to serving clients through excellence in lawyering.
40. Accolades and Awards: The firm’s market prominence is recognized worldwide through various accolades and awards.

Debevoise & Plimpton: A Legacy of Excellence

Debevoise & Plimpton stands out as a top-tier law firm with a rich history and global reach. Founded in 1931 by Eli Whitney Debevoise and William E. Stevenson, it has grown into a powerhouse in private equity, financial services, and international arbitration. With offices in major cities like New York, London, and Hong Kong, the firm employs around 855 lawyers worldwide. Known for its high-profile clients and involvement in significant cases, Debevoise also excels in pro bono work, diversity, and associate satisfaction. The firm's collaborative culture and commitment to client focus have earned it numerous accolades, including high rankings in The American Lawyer's A-List and Vault's prestigious law firms list. With a strong emphasis on training and development, Debevoise continues to attract top talent, ensuring its legacy of excellence endures.