Pros

Shearman has a cohesive environment where people are nice to one another and there does not seem to be much competition among administrative staff. The mid-management is wonderful. They ensure that work/life balance is met and respected.

Cons

The firm has difficulty acknowledging its problems. They probably acknowledge it on the level of managing partner but the message never gets to the rest of us. They think that we don't notice that numbers of attorneys have been quietly asked to leave or that we assume it is because they weren't good lawyers. Why not just admit that the economy has left the firm in a bad spot? By not being honest with their staff, they insult us.

Advice to Senior Management

Again, be honest. Don't tell us that it is a difficut time. We know that - tell us why partners are still taking home the amount of money but the rest of us have to take cuts.