Toxic workplace turning over staff and lawyers in droves
Pros
Some truly fantastic, smart, driven employees. A few good leaders are listening to their teams and trying to enact positive change.
Cons
The most anxiety ridden environment I have ever worked in. Management will say "that's just the way BigLaw is", but I am now at a peer firm and it's a night and day difference. Staff are expected to put their lives aside to provide "Service Excellence" at every cost to their mental and physical health. No amount of work is ever enough - they drive their staff right through to burnout. Zero psychological safety, constant exhaustion with no time to recover, only career growth comes from so many people quitting, and a generally depressing culture all around. Staff are not equal to lawyers and are treated as though they are completely expendable, regardless of their level of expertise or outstanding performance. Hands down the worst employment experience I have ever had.