Toxic Culture, Weak Leadership, and Deeply Embedded Inequality — Avoid If You Can - Anonymous employee Browne Jacobson Employee Review

Staff are consistently overworked, with unreasonable expectations around what constitutes a ‘normal’ working day. Long hours are the norm, not the exception. Highly toxic hierarchy, where lawyers are treated as the only voices that matter. Non-lawyers are routinely undermined, disregarded, and made to feel dispensable. The cultural messaging is unmistakable: lawyers are to be appeased at all costs, no matter how unreasonable or damaging their demands. Blame culture is widespread, particularly towards business services and support teams. Accountability is rarely shared; instead, finger-pointing is standard practice. Mental health is not taken seriously. Despite public-facing ‘wellbeing’ messaging, staff are often told — directly or indirectly — to continue working regardless of illness or stress. Leadership culture is defensive and unprofessional. Leaders do not welcome feedback or challenge, and often respond poorly to any questioning, however respectful or justified. Critical thinking and constructive dialogue are actively discouraged in favor of groupthink and blind deference. Low pay for both role and location, with bonuses well below market average despite the demands placed on staff. Turnover is very high, particularly in non-legal teams, and little is done to understand or address why people are leaving. Diversity and inclusion efforts feel performative at best. The senior leadership team remains overwhelmingly white and male. There are noticeable undercurrents of sexism that are rarely acknowledged or addressed. Career progression is extremely limited. Roles are rigidly defined, and any attempt to contribute outside your remit is often dismissed, ignored, or even ridiculed. Change is painfully slow, with approvals for even basic systems, staffing, or operational improvements taking years. This seriously hampers innovation and morale. Staff are encouraged or pressured to post positive content about the firm on social media — take overly glowing reviews with a pinch of salt.