Hard to Advance as a Woman - Associate Sidley Austin Employee Review

2.0
Feb 25, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Very good pay, teamwork environment, good to work as a 1st and 2nd year associate, but not beyond that

Cons

Sidley offers most work to its male Associates and females are often scavengering around for work in order to obtain billable hours. During the summer, at the end of an associate's 2nd year, the firm routinely does a massive layoff over the course of the entire summer, of about 5 associates a month, in order to make room to give work to the new first year class coming in. At that time, they keep only very few 3rd year associates. At this time, all associates are closely watched and judgment is tested. There are very few female partners, and it is a very white shoe environment. Training as a first year associate is not very good.

Explore other reviews about Sidley Austin

5.0
Jul 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great firm for any number of practice groups

Cons

Not as many soft perks as other firms, if that matters to yiy

4.0
Jul 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

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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