Goodwin reviews

Administration was seriously understaffed even before the layoffs, particularly in satellite offices. Staff who survive layoffs are expected to take on unrealistic workloads. As a result, good administrative staff frequently leave for better opportunities, which kills morale. Management is frequently as overworked as everyone else, making it difficult for them to get perspective on just how messed-up these workloads are. As with many large firms, partners who mistreat associates and staff are, for the most part, tolerated.

Goodwin recently implemented a new pay system for associates named "banding." Instead of being paid by class year, associates will be in "bands" and the salary for each person will be different. Therefore, it will be really hard to determine how well you are getting paid compared to others in your group, as the ranges will probably not be disclosed. Goodwin is not known for being open about bonuses. Billable hour requirements have gone up and pro bono hours are no longer encouraged (as associates are only allowed to count 150 hours of pro bono work to their billable requirements). Recently, lots of junior partners have been terminated, so the chances of making junior parner are slimmer than ever, due to cost-cutting efforts. The equity partners don't seem to want to share the pie.