Christopher Pickens

Work with brilliant, dynamic people

Consistently high quality 

I interviewed with Hogan Lovells while I was in law school, and I was impressed with the people I met during the process. They went out of their way to introduce me to the firm and demonstrate that I would be comfortable here. The collegial atmosphere really set Hogan Lovells apart from the rest.

I wanted to work on first-rate, sophisticated cases and my experience has been consistent with that anticipation. What’s exceeded my expectations are the people I get to work with, every day. My colleagues have been fantastic – not just good lawyers but great people, who I enjoy working with.

Personal growth 

A graduate of George Mason University School of Law, I served as an articles editor on the George Mason Law Review and won the Memorial Richard S. Murphy Prize. I joined the Northern Virginia office after working as a summer associate. My practice focuses on complex commercial litigation. Even when I was a senior associate, I generally managed the day-to-day activity on my cases. Some days, I was meeting or speaking with clients, or writing briefs or taking depositions. On other days, I was in court for hearings or trial. That remains true today.

I’ve had tremendous opportunities to build hands-on experience, even as a junior associate. We have a close-knit team, with four partners and five counsel and associates. The lean structure gives associates extensive partner interaction. You’ll find as much responsibility as you’re ready for. As a third-year associate, I was able to try a case with two partners, taking three witnesses during the week-long arbitration hearing. I've also had the opportunity to try other cases in my time here, where I argued motions and took multiple witnesses in each case.

Deep relationships

I’ve benefited from great mentoring relationships during my career. Partners of all seniorities are very willing to provide feedback and advice in real time, rather than just during formal reviews. This helps to make professional development continuous, which has been invaluable to my career. 

Pay attention to the people you meet here, and their wisdom. What really sets Hogan Lovells apart is the people and the opportunities they provide for meaningful experiences, which you’ll receive as soon as you're ready.