Pros
Small, collegial work environment that is less bureaucratic than larger firms. The same attorneys have worked here together for decades.
Cons
The same attorneys have worked here together for decades. As you would expect, the firm places a heavy emphasis on “fitting in” which disproportionately and negatively impacts people of color, both staff and attorneys. With the exception of one white woman, every “home-grown” associate that has been promoted to partner has been white and male. Despite being with the firm for a number of years, I found it difficult to be included in pitches, client relationships, or get acknowledgement for the clients I brought in. Word of mouth is the primary mechanism for learning about new opportunities or dinners or business development trips. Word of mouth is how you will find out that you were not invited or considered to go. Word of mouth is also how you will hear that members of your group find you difficult for having different opinions and question your handling of cases. You will feel like you’re in high school constantly wondering what people think of you and are saying about you when you’re not in the room. Management does not believe any of this is a problem with the firm because even though everyone is white, they have “diversity of thought.” People will say the right things when it comes to diversity and inclusion but when it comes down to it, the firm is not an inclusive place.