The firm culture is great. People have high expectations but are generally friendly and considerate. Hours are not nearly as bad as I thought they would be, and it is nice to not have to worry about being in the office early in the morning or late in the evening if I don’t actually need to be there (no one is bothered by face time, etc).

Jr. Associate

No chances for advancement; no longer at the top of the pay scale for senior associates.

Sr. Associate

Super low hours requirement -Pro bono counts as billable

Midlevel Associate

You need to understand what you’re getting into. It’s difficult to explain to someone who’s 24 or 25. If you don’t like the work itself, the money is never going to be enough.

Sr. Associate

Although we are a very large firm, the individual departments are generally under 50 lawyers. This has the benefit of personal interaction similar to “boutique firms ” with the resources and financial security of a global firm.

Of Counsel

No opportunities for advancement outside of the NY office. No longer paying top of the market compensation at higher levels.

Sr. Associate

Awesome summer job at Skadden! Although they say the summer is like paradise and the associate job is like hell.

Summer Associate