Great for young associates, stable job, but typical Big Law minus the long-term upside - Attorney Smith Anderson Employee Review

3.0
5 Jan 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

More sustainable business model than most big law firms -- top rated legal services for both transactional & litigation, but lower billable rates than most big law. Great job for a young attorney -- great experience and junior associate salary is the best in Raleigh, but there are no bonuses and very nominal raises as the years pass. There are some great people, and the firm has generous family leave and very flexible part-time opportunities on a case-by-case basis.

Cons

Typical big law firm terrible work/life balance, but too top heavy and too much partnership overhead expenses to have the opportunity for big law firm financial upside, even for partners. Management and compensation decisions are made by votes of all the partners, and since the firm is so top heavy, it's incredibility political, which causes inefficiency and cumbersome management decisions that are not always in the best interest of the firm as a company.

Explore other reviews about Smith Anderson

5.0
27 Mar 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Company culture is fantastic and welcoming

Cons

None really that I can think of

2.0
17 Mar 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

historically there's a no-layoff policy

Cons

smith anderson's retention numbers are misleading! people are unhappy. staff are paid low and are overworked resulting in chaos and churn; many critical departments turn over 100% every year or two despite attorneys and secretaries making retention numbers appear high in total; the brain drain is exhausting because those of us still here are covering for missing people and also training people who also will quit soon.

2
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All