Associate Attorney - Associate Attorney Marshall Dennehey Employee Review

1.0
Jul 7, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Free parking in suburban offices. Pre-tax dollars can be used for public transportation in urban offices. High turnover (this is really a con) is indicative that you should GTFO!

Cons

Super low pay (think $80,000-$100,000) for associates, especially compared with peer firms and the amount of work assigned. No bonus schedule - people get $500.00 and that's their bonus! It is insulting. No compensation program - most people will not get salary increases no matter how much or how little they work. Focus on billables distracts from good work. Associates reprimanded often for not meeting billables. Low focus on minority retention and women attorney retention. They pay a lot of attention initially for their statistics and reporting figures to local papers, etc., but ultimately don't care if you succeed or not. Only defense work - basically all insurance. Most attorneys did not attend prestigious schools and are more like "street" attorneys. Those who did attend prestigious colleges and law schools are an afterthought and not treated too well. There is a tech/IT mandatory training - so the firm can basically check a box saying they complied with a training on how to save documents and send emails. That way if anyone accidentally messes up, it's all on the individual and firm can disclaim liability. The training is pointless as everything that is taught is easily learned by associates who grew up in the past few decades. There is also a billing "training," in which associates are talked AT - basically someone reads off a piece of paper some billing codes and then associates are told they cannot count any time unless it is billable. There is zero substantive legal training and zero HR training. Ramp up time is expected to be very quick - instantaneous really. There is a steep learning curve. Partners are critical and demanding. They can be smart and have good cases sometimes too, but they disrespect associates, especially female and minority associates.

Explore other reviews about Marshall Dennehey

5.0
Jun 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great support and great culture; competitive benefits and most importantly, good people to work with.

Cons

So far, no red flags at all.

4.0
Jul 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

IF you are good at your job, the work is rewarding. The overall structure of the team is great and I truly enjoy the balance and culture.

Cons

The performance expectations to pay do not add up. You are expected to over perform and then accept a 3% raise at the end of the year. There really is no incentive to do well here. There’s no senior status or significant financial gain. It is difficult to want to over perform when management will not give you more than 4/4.5 stars on your reviews to justify the crap raises. Also, don’t think about going to management for help. I find it hard to believe that any of them actually did the work they so criticize you on

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