Pros
You will learn how to work hard, and lively work events held once or twice a year.
Cons
Little work-life balance with incredibly difficult billable hours targets of 90%+ productivity which is often scrutinised so that partners can take extra credit for your hard work. Restrictive and punitive CA support policy wherein the course reimbursement, study leave and CA membership is clawed back if you leave the firm within 3 years of completing your studies. Pointless monthly meetings so that partners can tell you to work longer hours and bill more, whilst listening to nothing you say. Long hours expected all year round with very little flexibility, often no WFH offered and partners micromanage and express frustration if you are away from your desk for too long. The work is often repetitive and pressured to be rushed by the partners so that they can quickly turnaround work and bill the client, which is unfortunately the only focus of the firm. Collaboration and socialising with colleagues is discouraged and the focus is instead upon quickly processing and turning over client work. There is also very little professionalism shown with managers gossiping about staff behind their back and sharing information that was shared in confidence.