Negative firm culture and below-market compensation - Legal Secretary K&L Gates Employee Review

2.0
Mar 7, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Most of my co-workers and many of the attorneys I worked with were nice people and very talented professionals.

Cons

The firm had a very negative office culture - people generally seemed very unhappy about working there. Compensation for support staff was below market. Performance bonuses for that group were eliminated, and merit increases were given to very few. The top performers continually got more work heaped on their workload without any sort of compensation adjustment.

Explore other reviews about K&L Gates

5.0
Jul 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Benefits Work environment PTO Plan

Cons

Accrual of time Mostly in office

4.0
Jul 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

My experience with my team was outstanding, and I genuinely enjoyed the work I performed during my time at the firm. The role was exactly as it had been presented during the interview process, The environment was supportive. My colleagues were always willing to help, share knowledge, and step in when needed. One aspect I particularly appreciated was the team's commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I could take PTO with confidence, knowing that I would not return to an unmanageable backlog of work. Additionally, the firm's benefits package was among the most comprehensive and competitive I have encountered in my career. The PTO amount was awesome too.

Cons

As of early 2026, the firm had announced the strategic priority of automating administrative functions with AI chatbots, including my scope of work. Ultimately, I chose to leave due to both the handling of this announcement as well as the growing concern that my role would be replaced by AI.

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