K&L Gates reviews

3.5

58% would recommend to a friend

(462 total reviews)

James R. Segerdahl

83% approve of CEO

57% positive business outlook

K&L Gates has an employee rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, based on 462 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The K&L Gates employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Legal industry (3.8 stars).

Reviews by job title

462 reviews
1.0
Sep 11, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Aside from biweekly luncheons and seasonal parties, I cannot think of any pros.

Cons

By day two of being on the job I was crying. I was expected to grasp a process after being shown once and when I didn't, I was humiliated instead. Video training was considered the go-to way of learning. This left new-hires to figure out processes on their own. There was no opportunity for personal development or growth. Differential and inconsistent treatment of employees was a MAJOR issue. The same infraction could be made by several employees and discipline was given to one person and not to the other(s). Favoritism abounded. During performance reviews, mistakes were highlighted and attention to strengths was not part of the discussion. Personal contributions to complete an assignment, stay after hours, and go the extra mile were never recognized. Utilizing the Global Service Desk for assistance was discouraged by management even though during training employees were encouraged to reach out to meet deadlines, or be walked through a process. Under "Careers - Why K&L Gates" section on the KLG website, the following statement in the first paragraph says: "Here you will find a place where you can shine while being part of a team of highly respected professionals, where you will have access to the tools and resources to help you do your best work, where you will expand your horizons professionally and geographically, and where you will be inspired to make a positive difference for the common good." Not ONCE did I ever feel respected, part of a team, inspired, or encouraged during my time with KLG. Rather, I felt discouraged, humiliated, and less than average as an employee and person. There are much better places to work that treat their employees with dignity, respect and simple kindness. KLG is not that place.

1.0
Feb 16, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Most coworkers were pleasant. The firm is clean.

Cons

From day one I was put into an office with no real direction or training. The only real communication is via emails, even if they are coming from the office next to you. It left a lot of room for misunderstandings and left more questions for entry level people. They give you 15 minute crash courses on software your first week via phone conferencing (there are several) then randomly ask you to recall everything without having had access to them once assignments come in. There is a huge disconnect with what everyone does, what people should know, expectations, etc. It took a while to even understand the chain of command. If there were mistakes made early on, I was told weeks later and they wouldn’t tell me what the issues were so I could prevent the same mistakes. I received mixed messages daily. I would be talked down to but then praised in the same conversation (when you actually were able to talk to your team). It made no sense and I never knew where I stood. The culture is cold and stark, with a very dead silence throughout the firm and little personal interaction. It is probably not a surprise that the firm hired a professional to train the entire firm on how to treat people. That is due to take place in a few weeks.

1.0
Apr 22, 2016

Worst Job Ever

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Not many - there are benefits, but employees pay a lot out of pocket. Were on a wage freeze and no bonuses for years before and after I left.

Cons

VERY poorly managed, West Coast constantly doing battle with East Coast. Absolutely n o consideration for employees at all - you are just a body in a chair. Benefits were slashed and out of pocket deductible and copays increased even as the management team in Pittsburgh decided to spend a rumored $4 million to redesign the office lobby in Seattle so it looks like the Pittsburgh home office. Yes, they are that stupid and that wasteful. Don't waste your time or talent here.

Viewing 10 - 12 of 462 Reviews

Glassdoor has 528 K&L Gates reviews submitted anonymously by K&L Gates employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if K&L Gates is right for you.