Consulting Articles > Consulting Firms > The Brattle Group: Careers, Culture, and Interview Insights
IThe Brattle Group is a leading economic consulting firm known for solving complex financial, regulatory, and litigation challenges for corporations, governments, and law firms worldwide. With expertise spanning competition economics, energy, and financial advisory, The Brattle Group offers rewarding careers for analysts and associates who value intellectual rigor and collaboration. Whether you’re exploring The Brattle Group careers or curious about what The Brattle Group does, this guide covers everything you need to know from its history and culture to internships, interviews, and exit opportunities.
TL;DR – What You Need to Know
The Brattle Group is a global economic consulting firm that helps organizations solve complex financial, regulatory, and litigation challenges through data-driven economic analysis.
- The Brattle Group was founded in 1990 and has grown into a leading boutique firm known for analytical rigor and collaboration.
- Careers at The Brattle Group follow a structured path from Research Analyst to Principal, emphasizing mentorship and intellectual development.
- The firm’s practice areas span antitrust, financial economics, energy, and regulatory consulting across industries like finance, healthcare, and telecommunications.
- Brattle’s global offices in Boston, London, and Sydney enable international collaboration and regional market expertise.
- The Brattle Group interviews focus on analytical skills, research experience, and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely.
What Does The Brattle Group Do?
The Brattle Group is a global economic consulting firm that provides expert analysis on complex business, regulatory, and financial issues. The firm helps corporations, law firms, and government agencies solve high-stakes problems through data-driven research, economic modeling, and strategic advisory across industries like energy, finance, and telecommunications.
The Brattle Group specializes in economic and financial consulting, helping clients navigate challenges that require rigorous quantitative and analytical expertise. Its work often supports high-impact decisions in areas such as regulation, litigation, competition, and public policy.
At its core, the firm combines economics, finance, and data science to provide objective, evidence-based insights. Brattle consultants are frequently engaged as expert witnesses in major litigation cases, offering independent testimony in matters related to competition, valuation, and damages.
Key consulting domains include:
- Antitrust and competition economics
- Financial markets and securities analysis
- Regulatory finance and rate design
- Energy and utility consulting
- Forensic economics and damages assessment
- Intellectual property valuation
- International arbitration and trade
These practice areas make The Brattle Group a trusted partner for clients who require analytical precision and deep industry expertise. Whether advising on energy market reforms, merger disputes, or financial modeling, the firm’s consultants are known for their ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
By combining technical depth with strategic thinking, The Brattle Group stands apart as one of the leading boutique firms in the consulting industry, particularly for candidates drawn to the intersection of economics, data, and real-world impact.
The Brattle Group History and Founding Story
The Brattle Group was founded in 1990 by a team of economists from Incentives Research Inc. (IRI) to create a firm that combined analytical rigor with a collaborative culture. Headquartered in Boston, the firm grew from a small group of experts into a global leader in economic, regulatory, and financial consulting.
The Brattle Group’s origins trace back to the 1980s when several economists at Incentives Research Inc. sought to build a firm that valued intellectual curiosity and teamwork. Their goal was to merge deep economic expertise with a culture that respected balance and collaboration.
In 1990, these founding partners established The Brattle Group, naming it after Brattle Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts a symbolic reference to its academic roots near Harvard University.
Throughout the 1990s, the firm expanded from Boston to Washington, D.C., and London, aligning its services with rising global demand for regulatory and antitrust consulting. By the early 2000s, it had earned recognition for its work in energy, finance, and competition economics, bringing on Nobel Prize-winning economist Daniel McFadden as a principal in 2002.
Since then, The Brattle Group has continued to grow, opening offices across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Its evolution from a boutique consultancy into a globally respected firm reflects its enduring commitment to analytical excellence and ethical advisory.
Inside The Brattle Group Careers and Roles
The Brattle Group careers offer structured advancement from Research Analyst to Associate to Principal, providing early exposure to complex consulting work. Employees collaborate with leading economists and industry experts, gaining hands-on experience in economic modeling, litigation support, and financial analysis across diverse industries such as energy, finance, and telecommunications.
At The Brattle Group, careers are designed for individuals who thrive on analytical rigor and teamwork. The firm’s flat structure encourages collaboration between junior analysts and senior principals, ensuring early mentorship and intellectual growth.
Typical career levels include:
- Research Analyst: Entry-level role focused on data analysis, modeling, and research support.
- Associate: Mid-level consultant managing projects, client deliverables, and advanced quantitative work.
- Principal: Senior leadership responsible for business development, expert testimony, and client relationships.
Consultants are often drawn to Brattle for its intellectually engaging work and academic-style environment. You’ll find that success here depends on curiosity, precision, and the ability to explain complex findings clearly.
The firm also places a strong emphasis on professional development, offering training in economics, econometrics, and presentation skills. Employees benefit from exposure to real-world regulatory and financial cases, providing a foundation for future leadership or advanced academic paths.
The Brattle Group Internship and Recruiting Process
The Brattle Group internship program offers students hands-on experience in economic and financial consulting. Interns work alongside research analysts and associates on live projects, learning data analysis, market research, and econometric modeling. Recruitment typically occurs through campus programs and online applications targeting top universities and economics graduates.
The firm’s internship program is a primary entry path for students seeking exposure to applied economics. Brattle interns contribute to real projects in antitrust, regulatory policy, and energy market analysis, gaining insights into how consulting teams translate data into strategy.
Recruiting process highlights:
- Campus recruiting at leading universities for summer internships
- Online applications accepted globally for both interns and full-time roles
- Strong preference for candidates with backgrounds in economics, finance, or quantitative research
- Multiple interview rounds assessing analytical ability, communication, and research experience
Interns who perform well often receive full-time offers as Research Analysts after graduation. Brattle’s recruiting philosophy emphasizes intellectual curiosity, technical skill, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly qualities that define success across the firm.
Practice Areas and Industries at The Brattle Group
The Brattle Group serves clients across key consulting practices including antitrust, financial markets, energy, intellectual property, and regulatory economics. The firm’s industry expertise spans utilities, finance, telecommunications, and healthcare. Its consultants combine economic theory, data science, and legal insight to deliver rigorous analyses that guide complex business and policy decisions.
Brattle’s consulting work centers on applying economic principles to real-world business challenges. The firm’s multidisciplinary teams collaborate with attorneys, policymakers, and executives to solve problems involving pricing, competition, and regulation.
Core practice areas:
- Antitrust and competition economics
- Financial valuation and securities litigation
- Energy and utility regulation
- Environmental and climate economics
- Intellectual property and damages quantification
- International arbitration and trade
Industries served:
- Electric power and renewable energy
- Financial institutions and capital markets
- Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
- Telecommunications and media
- Transportation and logistics
This range demonstrates Brattle’s dual strength in technical economic analysis and industry-specific knowledge, making it a go-to firm for organizations seeking expert evidence and strategic insight.
The Brattle Group Offices and Global Presence
The Brattle Group operates offices across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, with its global headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. Key locations include Washington D.C., New York, San Francisco, London, Madrid, Rome, Brussels, Toronto, and Sydney. This international footprint allows Brattle to serve clients with regional expertise and consistent analytical standards.
Brattle’s Boston headquarters anchors its North American operations, while offices in Europe and Australia extend its reach to multinational clients. Each office maintains a unique specialization, such as regulatory finance in Washington or energy economics in London.
Notable office locations:
- United States: Boston, Washington D.C., New York, San Francisco, Chicago
- Europe: London, Brussels, Madrid, Rome
- Asia-Pacific: Sydney
- Canada: Toronto
This global structure ensures local responsiveness backed by centralized analytical rigor, enabling Brattle to manage cases that cross markets and jurisdictions.
Working Culture at The Brattle Group
The Brattle Group culture emphasizes intellectual collaboration, respect, and analytical excellence. Employees value the firm’s flat structure, flexible work environment, and opportunities to learn from leading economists. While workloads can be demanding, the collegial atmosphere and strong mentorship foster a sense of community and professional growth.
At Brattle, consultants describe the environment as both challenging and supportive. Teams are small, and analysts often work directly with principals, encouraging learning through active engagement.
The firm invests in training, community initiatives, and wellness programs to promote balance and belonging. Employees appreciate the autonomy to shape projects and the openness of leadership communication.
Despite its demanding nature, the work remains fulfilling because of its intellectual depth and real-world impact.
Brattle Group Interviews and Hiring Insights
The Brattle Group interview process assesses candidates on analytical ability, communication, and economic reasoning. Applicants typically complete one or two case interviews, research discussions, and behavioral questions. Successful candidates demonstrate strong quantitative skills, clear thinking, and an ability to explain complex concepts concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Candidates usually apply through campus programs or online portals. The hiring process often begins with a virtual interview followed by an on-site or final-round interview day.
Interview format:
- First-round: behavioral and analytical screening
- Second-round: case interview with problem-solving and data interpretation
- Discussion of academic or research background
The firm seeks individuals passionate about economic analysis and client impact. For associate roles, graduate-level education (Master’s or PhD) is preferred, while analyst positions target undergraduates in economics, statistics, or related fields.
Career Growth and Exit Opportunities from The Brattle Group
Career growth at The Brattle Group follows a clear path from Research Analyst to Principal, supported by mentorship and training. Alumni often pursue PhDs, MBAs, or transition to roles in finance, government, or academia. The firm’s analytical focus and reputation open doors across consulting, policy, and advanced research careers.
Promotion at Brattle is merit-based, emphasizing intellectual contribution, leadership, and client impact. Analysts who excel often advance to Associate roles within three to four years, while Associates move toward Principal as they develop expertise and business acumen.
Common exit paths:
- Graduate school (PhD, MBA, or public policy)
- Roles in investment banking, economics research, or corporate strategy
- Academic and government policy positions
This progression reflects Brattle’s blend of consulting rigor and academic depth, making it ideal for those seeking intellectually rewarding career trajectories.
Is The Brattle Group a Good Consulting Firm?
The Brattle Group is widely regarded as a top-tier economic consulting firm known for its analytical rigor, collaborative culture, and meaningful client impact. Its recognition among leading U.S. consulting firms reflects consistent excellence in quantitative analysis, expert testimony, and high employee satisfaction across global offices.
Brattle’s reputation rests on combining academic-quality research with practical business insights. Clients rely on its independence and precision, while employees praise the balance of intellectual challenge and supportive mentorship.
For candidates interested in economics-driven consulting, The Brattle Group offers both career growth and a chance to make measurable impact across industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How to get a job at The Brattle Group?
A: To get a job at The Brattle Group, candidates should apply through campus recruiting or the firm’s online portal and demonstrate strong analytical, research, and communication skills.
Q: What is economic consulting and how does The Brattle Group fit in?
A: Economic consulting involves applying data and economic theory to solve business, regulatory, and legal challenges. The Brattle Group fits in as a leading economic consulting firm specializing in financial and regulatory analysis.
Q: Who owns The Brattle Group?
A: The Brattle Group is privately owned by its principals, who are senior economists and consultants actively involved in managing the firm and client engagements.
Q: How much does a senior associate make at The Brattle Group?
A: A senior associate at The Brattle Group typically earns between $170,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on experience, performance, and office location.
Q: Who are Brattle Group competitors?
A: Brattle Group competitors include other leading economic consulting firms such as Cornerstone Research, Analysis Group, and Charles River Associates, which also focus on data-driven litigation and regulatory analysis.