No support or camaraderie - Paralegal Wilson Elser Employee Review

2.0
Sep 7, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

When I first started I enjoyed my job and my immediate partner.

Cons

As paralegals left and were not replaced the work was piled on from other partners. I tried keeping up but then we were hit with a ransomware attack and could literally not access electronic files for a week. Then came Covid-19 and OT was cut completely so we were expected to do everything in 8 hours a day. It is not like other firms where others pitched in to help, the others were trying to keep their own heads above water. In the beginning I worked the extra hours with no extra pay. When we worked from home they did not supply laptops so I worked on my old personal laptop. My partner required me back in the office in June when everyone else was still working from home. I simply couldn't keep up with the work and the quality of my work suffered as I tried to get everything done in 8 hours a day. My partner was one to yell and berate when my work quality suffered. I couldn't leave soon enough.

Explore other reviews about Wilson Elser

5.0
Jul 23, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent mentorship and approachable partners who genuinely invest in developing junior attorneys. Associates receive meaningful responsibility early, including depositions, court appearances, client interaction, and substantive motion practice. The office culture is collaborative, and there are ample opportunities for professional development and hands-on litigation experience. Hybrid work flexibility is also a plus.

Cons

Litigation can be fast-paced, and balancing multiple cases and competing deadlines requires strong organization and responsiveness. Workload can fluctuate depending on your docket and trial schedule, so there are periods when the hours are heavier.

3.0
Jul 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great benefits, pay is okay. Partners are reasonable and nice.

Cons

Firm is misogynistic. They either drove someone to quit/fired really good talent and one of the only attorneys that was sweet to the staff after they took the side of male colleague in their interpersonal issue. Watched this person get bullied and firm did nothing. A lot of exclusive groups and mean girl behavior in chicago office it is really a shame

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