Pros
- Tons of exposure to litigation - Ability to manage my own caseloads - Awesome team members - Access to tons of in-house CLEs - Work/Life balance is not bad
Cons
They come after you all the time about billable hours. You should expect an email every two weeks about it and a phone call from the higher ups if you're not performing exactly how they want you to. 2100 hours expected yet the pay is embarrassing. It's not terrible, but should be way more considering the size of the firm and the constant pressure about billable hours. And don't get me started on the year end "bonuses". Literally, chump change compared to other firms, yet Wilson Elser wants you to be grateful. Also, high turnover. It's quite comical how often I've had to say goodbye to associates and how often I've run into new attorneys in the hallway or pantry. Yet, not unexpected due to the pay and the attitudes from some of the partners at the firm. Let's just say that some people take their roles as partners way too seriously and consider their associates to be nothing more than worker bees or cogs in a wheel. Lastly, I work for a partner that does none of the work, but takes all of the credit. BEST ADVICE: Get in. Do your two years. Get the experience you need, then get out.