Covington & Burling LLP - True Picture

For Coving-tons of life sciences and technology work, check in with this American regulatory big shot.

Covington & Burling training contract review 2025

The Firm



What’s love got to do with it? It’s an age-old question (Tina Turner told us as much) and luckily one that we have the answer to: everything, especially if you’ve got your heart set on a training contract. Because in the same way that you’d look for your other half, you want your choice of firm to fit you like a glove, so it’s no surprise that many an aspiring lawyer has found their size at American outfit Covington & Burling. “It was born as a regulatory firm advising on whatever the US government did regulation-wise,” a starry-eyed trainee gushed, “and has now become a full-service firm after more than 100 years.” And almost 70 years after the firm’s inception in Washington, DC, Covington’s presence in London began. With a reputation in the States for work where public policy meets the law, it’s only apt that the firm brought its focus on heavily regulated sectors across the pond with it.

It’s not just disputes that this firm can do though, as training principal Mark Young explains: “Since its inception over 100 years ago, the firm has expanded a great deal, notably into corporate and disputes, which are now two of the largest practices firm-wide. As a result, what started as a focus on the regulatory environment has blossomed into deep understanding of particular industries.” And what are those areas? “We’re well known for life sciences, increasingly well known for tech, and also very active in the areas of financial services, defence and heavy industry and energy,” details Young. Indeed, Covington’s London office is ranked among the best of the best for both regulatory and transactional life sciences and public affairs by Chambers UK, receiving further recognition for areas like product liability and data protection & information law.

“It was impressive to me that a lot of other firms would have associates at these events, but Covington had partners.”

With the firm’s shining reputation, we weren’t shocked to hear that trainees had “heard about their work through the grapevine” and were excited to be a part of it. Interviewees also told us that they had been given the chance to meet partners through networking events, with one happy insider commenting: “It was impressive to me that a lot of other firms would have associates at these events, but Covington had partners.” Many shared that the firm’s top-tier “regulatory practices like tech and life sciences” were a big draw, as it comes with the chance to get involved in “lots of niche public policy work.” With Covington’s US origins come “a smaller trainee intake and the leaner teams that work on different matters,” both of which were instrumental in sealing the deal for those amongst the firm’s most junior. Describing the firm’s training culture, graduate recruitment partner Sarah Cowlishaw tells us: “Our culture in London has always been like that because we’re quite small and thoughtful. We hire to retain, so we invest from day one and hopefully these lawyers will be with us for a number of years.”

The Seats



Before trainees shine their shoes and iron their shirts to head into the office for their first day, they rank the seats available to them in order of preference. While this is influential for the first seat of their training contracts, sources told us that newbies should expect “their preferences to change, so there’s allowance for that.” As another interviewee explained, “people often end up doing other things once they’re at the firm. You decide what sounds interesting, chat with professional development in monthly meetings, and negotiate things.” Covington’s training contract requires each aspiring solicitor to do at least one contentious and one transactional seat, but the other two can be from any of those available at the firm. Amongst these sit two international secondments: one is a competition seat in Brussels and the other a corporate seat in Dubai. Even when working in London, trainees certainly have the chance to get involved in global work, and the firm has client secondments too, with one of the firm’s pharma clients noted as a popular destination. Something new worth noting is the firm’s pro bono secondment, a recent introduction that allows trainees to complete a six-month seat with Covington client REPRIEVE.

With international arbitration being a popular seat amongst trainees, interviewees told us that the work done in the firm’s London office is “primarily commercial arbitration but also investor-state – bringing claims for, or defending claims against, clients, major institutions – it’s very international work.” Sources shared that it’s a seat where “you’ll be dealing with energy disputes in the Middle East or Africa, or contract disputes between manufacturers of luxury goods. The work is very varied, cross-industry, and of course there’s the big-ticket Ukraine work that we do as well.” Ukrainian deals have been a throughline at Covington recently, as the firm has done a substantial amount of work with the government of Ukraine and was also successful in an investment treaty claim for Naftogaz, Ukraine’s national energy company, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Trainee tasks included researching points of law, drafting submissions, and preparing and setting up for a hearing. As the most junior on the team, “you’re expected to be the one to keep all of the chronology up to date, looking at the client docs and trying to fit them in,” which regularly means that “you’re the one closest to the details.”

As a key practice group at the firm, it’s not uncommon for trainees to do a seat in life sciences transactions, where we heard that work consists of mainly licensing and collaboration agreements with big pharma and some biotech companies. For example, recent Covington clients include Autifony Therapeutics, Sitryx Therapeutics, and Health Data Research UK. An insider with experience in this seat told us that “day to day, there’s a lot of analysing drafts of agreements, drafting clauses from scratch, and legal and industry research.” This involves “looking at the market trends in the life sciences industry and liaising with other practice areas, getting their input on the agreements you’re working on.” Tasks can also include attending in-person client negotiations, drafting notes from those negotiations, and writing advice emails.

“Day to day, there’s a lot of analysing drafts of agreements, drafting clauses from scratch, and legal and industry research.”

Over in corporate, newbies were happy to discuss the variety of work they’re able to do, as the practice group is “largely a mix of M&A and capital markets, but some restructuring work too.” They also bragged about the assortment of clients they work with, most of whom largely come from the energy tech, and life sciences sectors – from Cameco Corporation to AstraZeneca. Recently, Covington advised Ergomed in its sales to funds advised by Permira Advisers, with a matter value of over £700 million. Trainee responsibilities are “not just granular, typical trainee tasks,” sources shared, “they’re a lot of the key aspects of the different documents we work on. Then as the deal moves towards closing, that’s where the client contact comes in.” Another added that “trainees are expected to keep tabs on the whole operation, monitoring a document list and needing to know everything to create it, everyone who’s involved in it, and what they’re working on.” We heard that the team sizes in corporate can be smaller so as a newbie, “you have to take on more, but that’s obviously a good way to learn.”

While discussing the work available in the project development & finance group, insiders shared that “the financing side is a lot of work on the financing mega-projects – mostly in the Middle East and Africa regions – and on the project development side, they’ll work with sponsors on bids in the initial stage.” One interviewee found the project development work particularly interesting, as it was “based on a lot of renewable energy – solar, wind and all that stuff.” A big client of the department is ACWA Power, a significant name in the world of power generation, renewable energy and desalinated water production plants, with an investment value exceeding $33 billion. Interviewees felt the seat was a good way to increase their exposure to work, as “it’s a field in the Middle East and Asia that’s usually dominated by English magic circle firms. As a US firm, you have a smaller headcount so even though you’re junior, you get so much responsibility.” Whilst the “day to day varied a lot” for our sources, typical responsibilities include drafting due diligence reports and working on conditions precedent on the financing documents.

“As a US firm, you have a smaller headcount so even though you’re junior, you get so much responsibility.”

The firm’s technology regulatory department “deals with regulatory advice for large tech companies on compliance with GDPR and cybersecurity risks – mainly those two buckets, and then helping companies navigate future legislation that’s coming down the pipe.” Advice often concerns cybersecurity, AI and content moderation; in recent news, the firm has been advising several multinational tech companies regarding compliance with the European Accessibility Act and its scope and application for their products and services. Interviewees boasted about getting to do “interesting and topical work for some of the biggest companies in the world,” detailing that “quite a significant part of the work is representing tech companies in investigations and proceedings brought by regulators.” A source described the group as “one of the firm’s flagship teams and for good reason – they’re great people who do amazing work.” Work for trainees regularly involves writing submissions and researching the law and putting together factual legal research, both of which an insider noted helped them become “the knowledge base for a specific thing, which I think is important.”

Trainee Life



The beauty that is Covington’s London office sits almost at the very top of 22 Bishopsgate, making it the highest law firm not just in London, but in Europe! This proved a big talking point for interviewees; we heard that “it doesn’t really get old coming out of the lift and seeing all of London,” and one insider even went so far as to say that heading to work has “ruined any rooftop bar because I know the view is better in our office.” Trainees are expected to be in the office three days a week and can work from home on a Monday and Friday, but with views as picturesque as Covington’s, we’re surprised that the firm’s lawyers aren’t in every day!

On the topic of hours, our interviewees admitted that the length of the working day can vary depending on what’s happening within a team. One trainee confessed that they were regularly working from “9am to 8pm every day” and were no stranger to doing “a week of 14-hour days” leading up to a filing. Weekend work can be unpredictable too: “I’ve had months where I’ve worked every weekend and then months with no weekend work, so it very much varies.” Though there can be very late nights, we were reassured that “it’s well coordinated and means that the team will usually be working late when you are, so you don’t feel alone in working late nights.”

Covington’s culture was described as “collaborative,” and whilst that’s not exactly a unique adjective for describing the vibe at a firm, one trainee elaborated that this collaborative nature is largely a product of the partnership structure of the firm; all partners are equity partners so “there’s no origination credit, thus no ‘eat-what-you-kill’ culture.” This fosters a “genuine camaraderie among the partnership that then feeds down” to more junior levels. Interviewees also told us that the firm has a “massive focus” on diversity and inclusion, as “the firm has a big budget for those sorts of initiatives – only in the past year, lawyers from all offices created the Jewish and Muslim focus groups, and both organised some really fun activities.”

“There’s genuine camaraderie among the partnership that then feeds down.”

Training at the firm starts with every trainee’s two supervisors; “you sit with one, and there’s another in the same practice area who’s perhaps doing slightly different work.” Interviewees agreed that their supervisors have been helpful, and “even when you’re not working on matters directly with them, they’re all willing to spend the time explaining stuff to you or answering your questions.” Trainee-specific training sessions have “focused on actual drafting and things like that, but also on softer skills like public speaking and confidence.” A source also pointed out that the cohort have “recurring contract law lectures from an Oxford University professor, and I don’t know that other firms would take so much pride in their people to develop them in such a breadth of ways.”

Likely influenced by the firm’s US origin, “everyone – from the trainees to the super-senior partners – is involved in pro bono” at Covington. “I’ve never had a partner or senior associate ask me to prioritise client work over pro bono,” a trainee gratefully divulged. “It’s really accepted because everyone does it, and the opportunities are great.” Interviewees told us they’ve been able to get involved in pro bono“from day one,” getting stuck in with organisations like the Islington Law Centre, Amicus, and Kids in Need of Defence.

Our sources felt satisfied with their salary, gleefully informing us that they “get meals if we work late and taxis home too, so overall I think it’s a reasonable package!” The qualification process starts with the professional development team asking trainees where they want to qualify and being there “to guide you in the right direction, letting you know if something is not going to be possible.” According to one newbie, Covington “gives the impression of a firm that wants to keep everyone around no matter what, and they’re ready to be flexible around that. Last year, they retained every trainee; some trainees wanted to qualify into a department only taking one, so they created extra qualification seats to make sure a trainee could still qualify.” In 2024, the firm retained five of its eight qualifying trainees.

Connect4Covington...

For the annual diversity event, Covington Connected, the firm flies all diverse lawyers out to its DC HQ for seminars and networking.

How to get a Covington training contract



Vacation scheme deadlines: 

Winter (scheme dates and application deadline):

Applications open: 12 September 2024

Applications close: 24 October 2024

Programme runs from 9 December 2024 to 20 December 2024

Summer (scheme dates and application deadline):

Applications open: 12 September 2024

Applications close: 17 January 2025

Programme runs from 23 June 2025 to 4 July 2025

Insight day deadline:  CovInsights (first year programme) 

The firm’s CovInsights programme is aimed at first year law students and second year non-law students who are still researching their legal careers. This two day interactive programme provides a valuable insight into the firm, its practice areas, and the skills you will need to develop to become a successful lawyer. The programme is the perfect opportunity for candidates who are not yet eligible to apply for our vacation schemes.

Programme Date: 9 & 10 April 2025

Application deadline:

Applications open: 12 September 2024

Applications close: 28 February 2025

Training contract deadline: The firm recruits exclusively via its vacation schemes.

Applications and Interviews

The first step in securing a training contract at Covington is to complete an online application form, covering work experience (both legal and non-legal) and why the firm appeals to you. As a lawyer you'll need to communicate complex ideas clearly and succinctly, and this is something the firm keeps an eye out for in applications. Finally, Covington look for trainees who are well-rounded, so don’t be afraid to let your personality and passions shine throughout the application process. Successful candidates are then invited to attend an assessment centre which comprises a group exercise and an interview with two senior lawyers. Candidates will also have the opportunity to meet with some trainees on an informal basis.

Vacation Schemes 

Covington run two vacation schemes, a two-week scheme in the winter and a two-week scheme in the summer. Eligible applicants will be in their final year of a non-law degree or penultimate year of a law degree (although graduates and career changers are also welcome to apply). Vacation schemers spend a week sitting within a practice group, sharing an office with a senior lawyer, and are also allocated an associate mentor and trainee buddy, replicating the trainee experience from the outset. Students complete an independent research project, a group negotiation exercise and attend a training contract interview at the end of the scheme. There's also the opportunity to attend a variety of presentations from practice groups and international offices, and there are a number of social and networking opportunities to allow students to gain a real understanding of the firm.

Apply here.

CovInsights

The CovInsights programme is aimed at first-year law students and second-year non-law students who are still researching their legal careers. This two-day interactive programme provides an insight into the firm, its practice areas, and the skills you will need to develop to become a successful lawyer. The programme is the perfect opportunity for candidates who are not yet eligible to apply for the firm's vacation schemes, and includes an introduction to the firm's key practice areas, group exercises and workshops, and networking opportunities. Applications are open from 12 September 2024.

Apply here.

The ideal candidate

Covington requires applicants to have strong grades at A level and a 2:1 degree. Successful candidates are sharp, articulate, and quick thinking.

 

Covington & Burling LLP

22 Bishopsgate,
London,
EC2N 4 NQ
Website www.cov.com

Firm profile
Covington & Burling LLP was founded in Washington, DC more than a century ago. Today, Covington has more than 1,300 lawyers and advisers across our 14 global offices. We advise clients on their most challenging and complex matters. Most of our work has an international element, and all our practice groups operate across borders. Our distinctively collaborative culture allows us to be truly one team globally, drawing on the diverse experience of lawyers across the firm.

What sets us apart is our ability to combine the tremendous strength in our litigation, investigations, and corporate practices with deep knowledge of policy and policymakers, and one of the world’s leading regulatory practices.

Our trainees tell us that they were attracted to Covington in London because we provide the responsibility and opportunity of a close-knit office, combined with the resources and prestige of a leading international firm. Above all, though, we recognise the importance of a great firm culture. At Covington you will find a firm with values of collegiality, high standards of lawyering, respect for others, a dedication to public service and a commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion. We have some of the best lawyers in the world because we understand that excellence in legal practice involves effective teamwork, clear and shared values and generosity to colleagues and clients as well as preeminent legal skills.

Our clients include technology giants Microsoft and Meta, as well as leaders in life sciences such as AstraZeneca and Oxford Biomedica. We have advised pharmaceutical manufacturers in relation to the manufacture and supply of COVID-19 vaccines, and acted for ACWA Power on the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, we engage in cutting-edge pro bono matters, such as representing Ukraine against the Russian Federation at the ICJ.

Main areas of work

Corporate advisory (capital markets, M&A, finance, private equity, venture capital and funds), commercial litigation, data privacy, competition, employment, financial services, insurance coverage disputes, intellectual property, internal investigations and compliance, international arbitration, life sciences, project development & finance, tax, technology regulatory. In addition, all our lawyers are encouraged to undertake pro bono work.

Training opportunities

Trainees complete four six-month seats. 

All trainees complete a transactional and contentious seat. To ensure you get the best experience from your time, our Professional Development team will work closely with you to design a training programme that best suits your preferences (and the business needs). Trainees are able to choose two seats from five practice areas: Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Life Sciences Regulatory, Life Sciences Transactional, Project Development and Finance, and Technology Regulatory.

Client secondments are available, alongside secondments to our Brussels and Dubai offices. All trainees are supervised by two senior lawyers and have access to a support network and a mentoring programme. Trainees benefit from the responsibilities and opportunities found within a close-knit office, combined with the resources and prestige of a leading international firm. You are quickly able to start contributing to teams and participate in meaningful work.

Core Seats

Corporate

Our corporate clients range from startups to established multinationals, and include investment banks and investors (including private equity and venture capital).

Given the firm’s particular strengths, much of our work is within the pharmaceutical/life sciences, energy and clean energy, brands, technology, and media industries.

Our work includes premium cross-border M&A deals, advising PE funds on their investments complex worldwide licensing and collaboration transactions.

We help our clients with international project development and finance advice, venture capital financing for emerging companies and their investors, capital markets fundraisings, and fund transactions and formations.

Dispute Resolution 

Our Dispute Resolution team includes lawyers focused on litigation, arbitration and white collar crime and investigations.

Our litigators help clients with issues before Courts in England, Europe and beyond. Our work is often in groundbreaking, complex fields and we regularly advise on significant, high-profile cases including defending substantial class actions.

Our arbitrators help clients both with commercial arbitrations across a wide range of jurisdictions and bilateral investment treaty claims, including representing Ukraine.

Our white collar crime and investigations practice advise our multinational client base on a range of issues including bribery, money laundering, sanctions, and fraud.

Electives 

Trainees choose two elective seats from five areas. We make every effort to satisfy requests and tailor the traineeship to specific interests.

Life Sciences Regulatory 

Covington is widely acknowledged to have one of the world’s top life sciences practices globally. We advise companies and trade associations, including many of the major multinational pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotechnology companies and producers of medical devices, cosmetics, foods, food packaging, specialty chemicals and consumer products. Our advice covers a wide range of regulatory, transactional, and contentious matters. We represent our clients before regulators, policymakers and the national and European Courts.

The group has been heavily involved in most of the major regulatory developments in recent years, including the fight against COVID -19 and the use of AI in healthcare.

Life Sciences Transactional 

Widely recognised as a global leader in strategic transactions, Covington advises on many of the industry’s largest and most innovative life sciences transactions year after year. A hallmark of our transactional practice is our extensive experience structuring, negotiating, and drafting complex global alliances, strategic collaborations, joint ventures, licensing and other agreements that underpin the life sciences and healthcare sectors. We work with pharma, biotech, medtech, and digital health clients, ranging from start-ups through to the largest multinationals, giving us a deep understanding of the issues that arise in relation to agreements at all stages and across all fields within life sciences and healthcare.

Employment 

Covington’s international employment practice helps multinational employer clients manage HR- legal compliance projects. Our work includes the preparation of global policies and codes of business conduct, expatriate secondments/global mobility, multi-country project management, cross - border M&A, corporate restructuring, and litigation. Current projects in which we are involved include business and human rights- related compliance initiatives, Employment Tribunal litigation, and international workforce transactions.

Technology Regulatory 

We advise clients on a variety of technology regulatory issues. Our expertise spans such diverse topics as data protection, cybersecurity, copyright and other IP, e-commerce, the use of AI, platform regulation, Internet of Things, digital health, social media, behavioural advertising, geolocation tracking and biometrics, to name just a few.

Project Development and FinanceOur team advises companies, lenders and governments on a wide variety of energy and infrastructure projects. Our main focus in energy is on green energy rather than fossil fuels. We have substantial experience in renewables and are rapidly gaining experience in battery and hydrogen projects.

Vacation scheme



 

Our Winter and Summer Vacation Schemes are a great way for students to really learn about the firm and its people to ultimately decide if a career at Covington is for them.

Over the one week (Winter) or two week (Summer) Schemes, students have the opportunity to become integrated into the London office and gain an insight into the work of a Covington lawyer. Our vacation schemes provide an opportunity to participate in real work, group activities, and a series of presentations from across practice groups and offices. Students participate in an independent research project focusing on a practice area of interest, providing a valuable hands-on experience that will set them up for success when joining the profession. We also organise a number of social events so that students can network and get to know lawyers at the firm.

Students are eligible to apply from their penultimate year of a law degree or final year of a non-law degree. We also accept applications from students who have already completed their degrees.

Applications can be submitted here.

CovInsights (first year programme) 

Our CovInsights programme is aimed at first year law students and second year non-law students who are still researching their legal careers. This two day interactive programme provides a valuable insight into the firm, its practice areas, and the skills you will need to develop to become a successful lawyer. The programme is the perfect opportunity for candidates who are not yet eligible to apply for our vacation schemes.

Applications can be submitted here.

Mentoring Programme

Our mentoring programme is open to all underrepresented groups, with the aim of increasing diversity within, and access to the legal profession. The programme pairs mentees with a lawyer or trainee at the firm for the duration of the academic year. Mentees will also be offered upskilling workshops throughout the programme to start developing the skills needed to become successful lawyers.

Eligibility and application details can be found here.

Other benefits



 

Trainees have access to a full benefits package including: private medical insurance, telemedicine service, fertility benefits, dental insurance, employee assistance programme, mental wellbeing platform, eye tests, flu vaccine, group income protection scheme, group life assurance scheme, group personal pension scheme, business travel accident program, emergency back-up care services, season ticket loan.

Meet Us



 

We are pleased to be collaborating with a number of universities both locally and nationally for 2024/25 academic year. We will be participating in various fairs and events which will allow the students to network with our lawyers and the graduate recruitment team. This is a real opportunity to learn more about our firm, culture and career opportunities You can find a list of the universities career fairs we will be attending here.

Covington Insight Series 

Join us for a series of exclusive virtual insight sessions, where we dive deep into the multifaceted world of Covington. Applications are open to all students from any degree discipline and in any year of their degree including graduates. details and the registration link can be found here.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Wellbeing



Covington is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive firm, where all colleagues are supported and have access to opportunities. We recognise that diversity enriches our culture, enhances our work with clients, and strengthens the profession. Our efforts extend to traditionally underrepresented and historically excluded groups. We are intentional, deliberate, and focused, and implement a broad range of initiatives to support DEI within our firm while advancing these values in the legal profession.

Our approach includes the elements of a strong DEI program, including infrastructure, educational programs, communications, and events about the importance of DEI. We develop forward-looking initiatives and inclusive policies tailored towards strengthening the firm and celebrating the diversity of our colleagues, to ensure we provide equitable opportunities for everyone.

We also have diversity committees in each of our Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Asia offices, with which we partner to champion the integration of policies to support colleagues from our Firm Resource Groups. Senior lawyer leads work with local DEI committees in each of our EMEA offices who ensure we are progressing against our DEI goals at the local level. The committees host firm-wide educational heritage month programming to celebrate the histories, representation, and contributions of our colleagues.

Firm Resource Groups 

Our Firm Resource Groups are a critical part of Covington’s inclusive approaches and practices. These groups support our colleagues who historically have been under-represented, excluded, and/or marginalised in the legal profession. All Firm Resource Groups are open to lawyers and professional staff, and many actively engage allies. The Firm Resource Groups foster community-building and member connections, promote broad firm education and awareness on the experiences of their members, and advocate for practices that enhance our inclusive workplace.

CovPride 

The CovPride Resource Group creates an inclusive environment and community where LGBTQ+ colleagues feel safe, can bring their authentic selves to work, and can actively engage with and feel supported by members and allies. The group focuses on promoting community and belonging, supporting the growth of the LGBTQ+ community, fostering career growth (including providing members access to mentors and advocates), and championing education and advocacy.

Disability and Neurodiversity Network 

The Disability and Neurodiversity Network is a community that focuses on support of persons with disabilities (visible and non-visible) and neurodivergences. The network welcomes colleagues who are disabled and/or neurodivergent, as well as allies who are interested in supporting disability and neurodiversity-related issues. The network aims to cultivate a culture of accessibility and inclusivity at Covington by providing support for members, advocating for inclusive firm practices, and hosting learning programs to help educate colleagues, often in celebration of observances such as Disability Pride Month and International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Multicultural Network 

The Multicultural Network (MCN) is a network for members of our Asian Pacific Islanders, Black, Latino, and Middle Eastern and North African Firm Resource Groups and allies. The MCN promotes DEI within our EMEA offices, through idea sharing and organised events and activities that focus on ethnic and racial diversity matters.

Social Mobility and First Generation Professionals 

The Social Mobility and First Generation Professionals Resource Group provides a support network for those already at the firm from socially mobile backgrounds. The network aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those from socially mobile backgrounds and reduce barriers.

Women’s Forum 

The Women’s Forum fosters greater interaction among women at all levels of the firm. Through regularly scheduled programs and initiatives, the Forum provides an opportunity for our women lawyers and professional staff to develop their internal network and address issues of common interest, such as career growth, mentoring, business and professional development. The Women’s Forum has chapters in each of our 14 offices globally.

Initiatives 

Examples of firm-wide DEI initiatives and programs, include:

• Inclusive Leader Training, firm leaders participate in inclusive leadership programmes, focused on strengthening their DEI fluency and competency. We developed Covington's Inclusive Leadership program with the knowledge that inclusive skills and behaviours practiced by leaders promote greater engagement and retention.

• DEI Goals in Practice Group plans and Senior Lawyers Annual Commitments, all senior lawyers at the firm are required to include a DEI goal in their annual commitments. Senior lawyers meet with leadership to review their commitments. In addition, DEI goals are required in our practice group and industry group annual business plans. The Management Committee meets quarterly with each group and reviews progress against plans, including their DEI goals.

• Women’s Mentoring Programme, connects junior women associates across the EMEA region with senior women lawyers, enabling junior associates to have connections across offices and in person with their mentors.

• DEI Billable Hours Credit policy, enabling associates and counsel to include up to 50 hours of DEI-related activities toward bonus eligibility.

• Covington Connected, our biennial DEI Summit, in Washington, D.C. The summit brought together more than 350 lawyers and advisors who are racially or ethnically diverse and/or identify with the LGBTQ+ community. This event provided a forum for colleagues to strengthen relationships with each other through programming designed to advance inclusion at Covington. Attendees heard from leadership experts and participated in activities centred around the primary theme of “Leading with Purpose," exploring ways in which we can connect ourselves, our work, and our organisations to a deeper sense of meaning – all of which leads to a stronger firm.

Awards & Recognition 

In recognition of our comprehensive DEI efforts, Covington has received the following external awards and accolades:

• Human Rights Campaign “Corporate Equality Index” Survey: scored 100 for 15 consecutive years.

• Law 360 Pulse’s 2023 Social Impact Leaders: ranked 4th among the 100 largest law firms.

• Law 360 Pulse’s 2024 Diversity Snapshot: ranked 19th among firms with 600+ lawyers, based on representation of attorneys who identify as racial/ethnic minorities.

• Mansfield Rule Certification Plus achieved every year since 2018.

• Seramount’s 2024 Best Law Firms for Women & Diversity: ranked among the top 20 firms and has been ranked amongst the top 50 firms for the past three years.

• Women in Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF): achieved U.S. and UK Gold Standard Certification in 2023, representing the ninth year the firm has been recognized in the U.S. and the fourth year it has been recognized for both countries.

• 2023 Chambers Student Survey: scored 100% on efforts to recruit and promote lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds.

Memberships 

• Black Solicitors Network (BSN) • Charta der Vielfalt • East Asian Lawyers Organisation (EALO) • InterLaw Diversity Forum • IntoUniversity • Legal Diversity and Inclusion Alliance (LDIA) • NOTICED • Social Mobility Pledge

Link

Learn more about DEI at Covington here.

This Firm's Rankings in
UK Guide, 2024

Ranked Departments

    • Commercial and Corporate Litigation (Band 4)
    • Competition Law (Band 6)
    • Corporate/M&A: £100-800 million (Band 4)
    • Data Protection & Information Law (Band 2)
    • Fraud: Civil (Band 4)
    • Life Sciences: Regulatory (Band 1)
    • Life Sciences: Transactional (Band 1)
    • Parliamentary & Public Affairs: Public Affairs (Band 1)
    • Private Equity: Venture Capital Investment (Band 3)
    • Product Liability: Food (Band 2)
    • Projects (Band 3)
    • Sanctions (Band 3)