Overview
(September 8, 2025, Washington DC) – Steptoe LLP is proud to announce its ranking of 23 in The American Lawyer's 2025 Midlevel Associate Satisfaction Survey, a significant rise that reflects the firm's commitment to associate development, engagement, and well-being.
The annual survey evaluates third- through fifth-year associates across 12 dimensions of job satisfaction, including compensation, training, mentorship, work quality, and transparency in firm leadership. Steptoe's improved ranking is a direct result of intentional investments in programs designed to support associates both professionally and personally.
Central to these efforts is Steptoe's flexible and structured three-tier compensation and bonus program, which reinforces the firm's commitment to transparency and rewarding performance. The firm also expanded its suite of customized Academies, offering targeted training aligned with practice areas and career stages, and hosted a dedicated retreat for associates and counsel to foster connection, collaboration, and candid conversations around career development and firm culture.
Steptoe relaunched its Mentorship Program with a new structure that includes mentoring circles, creating space for meaningful relationships, cross-office connections, and peer support. The firm also introduced a Centralized Associate Hub, a digital platform that streamlines access to resources, training materials, and firm-wide communications, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
To further strengthen practical skills, Steptoe launched a Mock Trial Boot Camp, offering immersive, hands-on litigation training that simulates real courtroom experiences and sharpens advocacy. Recognizing the importance of continuous feedback, the firm implemented a yearlong feedback campaign to foster open dialogue and real-time coaching, helping associates grow with clarity and confidence.
These initiatives represent just a selection of the broader efforts the firm has undertaken to enhance the associate experience and build a culture of support, growth, and transparency.
"Our associates are the future of the firm, and we are deeply invested in their success," said Kate Cappaert, partner and chair of Steptoe's Professional Development Committee. "This recognition reflects the collective effort across departments to create a workplace where associates feel supported, challenged, and valued."
Visit The American Layer to view the 2025 Midlevel Associates Survey results.
About Steptoe
In more than 110 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
