Career Center: How Does Your Firm Compare?

Spring bonuses, salary thaws, hiring increases — 2010/2011 marked a turning point in the economy, as well as the business of Biglaw. Check out the firm profiles below to see which firms spread the new wealth around, and which firms remained cheap. And be sure to see how your firm or other firms fared in the past year by checking out the updated profiles at the Career Center, powered by Lateral Link.

  • This Texas powerhouse once represented Enron, but is still highly regarded for its energy practice. Associates praise the firm for the amount of responsibility they receive and say the firm is very respectful of their “personal time.” This firm was one of the first Texas-based firms to give its associates spring bonuses.
  • The product of a merger between a U.S. firm and a U.K. firm, this firm now totals 1,400 lawyers in 60 locations and 43 countries. After thawing its salaries in March 2010, the firm revised its salary structure so that 12-15% of associate compensation would be paid out as a “base bonus.” Despite the salary bump, associates here still experience some “uncertainty” in light of the firm’s previous layoff history during the economic downturn.

More profiles, after the jump.

  • While associates say the culture can be a bit “fratty” and “cliquey” at this firm, associates also say it has “much improved since early 2009.” Although the firm has been described as a “follower” in terms of associate compensation, it kept pace and provided spring bonuses to its associates. Associates also say that the firm is busier than ever and there is definitely an upswing in hiring.
    • This firm instituted a salary cut during the economic crisis, and while salaries have returned back to top-of-the market ranges, the firm has introduced a more merit-based compensation structure that has confused its associates. Lateral Link insiders perceive the firm as being less transparent with regard to management decisions, but they still describe the firm as “open-minded,” and rate it one of the top three best law firms to work for in 2010.

    Be sure to check out other articles and the firm profiles on the Career Center website for additional job search resources. If you have questions about any of the law firms profiled on the Career Center, or would like a professional recruiter to assist you in your job search, contact any of the recruiting professionals at Lateral Link.

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