Non-lawyers be careful - Anonymous employee Sidley Austin Employee Review

3.0
Oct 11, 2020
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Prestigious law firm, nice work facility, you'll learn and grow with some of the smartest people around.

Cons

Insurance is crap and pay raises aren't great. If you're not a lawyer, no one really cares about you since the lawyers are the firm's only and main revenue. That's understandable since it's a law firm and is in no way bashing the lawyers, but it leads to many staffers (non-lawyers) being treated poorly. Some lawyers are incredible, while many are straight up abusive. If they're a partner or rainmaker, it won't matter how they treat others. Firm has a mixed message on mental health and well being. One part promotes wellness, while still citing the message of "the work must get done." Staff are not paid anywhere close to what the lawyers make (which is understandable), but are expected to work and burn the same amount of hours. Staff are also blamed for the lawyers' problems, even if they had nothing to do with something. Many staffing departments have retention and turnover issues.

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5.0
Jul 7, 2026
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Pros

Working on top tier matters in the industry

Cons

Hours are too long and irregular

4.0
Jul 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

Culture is really depending on the practice group.

Cons

Insurance is from Illinois. More often than not, people are rude.

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