Kilpatrick Stockton Reviews

Pros

Kilpatrick is definitely a good place to land after law school. The partners took a real interest in training me and I truly believe that training was what led me to the development of the attorney I am today.

Cons

The lack of clarity with respect to the bonus structure made it difficult to determine exactly how much to expect in any given year.

Advice to Senior Management

More transparency with respect to the bonus structure as well as making the review process a more accurate indicator of an individual's career development

Pros

The atmosphere can change from department to department and from office to office, but generally, the work can be challenging and interesting. Co-workers are professional, cooperative and supportive.

Cons

Since the merger, Kilpatrick absorbed a busy, professional patent prosecution practice with large clients and dockets from the Townsend side. But for unknown reasons, they do not want to staff the patent prosecution teams. So, if you work in this area as a staff person, you will be working under constant backbreaking stress. In addition, management seems clueless as to how to reward people for working hard.

Advice to Senior Management

It's not always about money. People like to feel that their opinions matter, even if their ideas can't be implemented. People like to feel like they have been heard. Sometimes a change in title or job description can do more for morale than money, if it shows that you understand the contribution that an employee is making to the firm.

Pros

Kilpatrick Stockton management appears to be less driven by an interest in rewarding members of the "club" than was Townsend management;
Infrastructure is well developed
Greater variety of potential work
Greater ability to provide "full service" platform to clients

Cons

Townsend people still in senior management and decision making positions - rewards still go to only members of "club"
New infrastructure not as well suited to patent prosecution needs
Some satellite offices have more difficulty in building practices
Little, if any, reward for bringing in business for other Partners
Compensation system rewards intense competition between Partners

Advice to Senior Management

Re-align incentives so that cooperation is rewarded and not competition
Provide patent prosecutors with a much better work-life balance
Address the economic difficulties of being a patent prosecutor with high hourly rates

Pros

Friendly atmosphere, nice environment in terms of large law firms. I'm not sure what the experience is like as a new associate, but I enjoyed my time there.

Cons

I really can't think of many downsides to the company itself. Parking is pretty expensive though, but that shouldn't count as a con.

Advice to Senior Management

Keeping a law firm operating in this economy is a huge feat, but don't let the push to retain and attain business change the working environment.

Pros

Good to have a job in this environment. They have some good associates but they will never become partners.

Cons

Favoritism towards certain people
Firm is not that profitable
Decisions all made out of Atlanta
Nickle and dime us on expenses

Advice to Senior Management

Consider merging with a more profitable better run firm. Get some better leaders in the DC office. Do a better assessment on productivity.

Pros

The firm is filled with good people and great lawyers and even better clients. If you are well connected, you can go far.

Cons

The firm is focused on its premier practice. If you belong to another group, you will definitely feel the effects.

Advice to Senior Management

Better communication with all employees is key. The firm needs to do more to have buy-in from all of its lawyers in all of its offices.

Pros

The All Purpose Leave Policy for Staff is by far the best benefit at Kilpatrick Stockton and is a big draw for potential hires. It starts off at 5 weeks a year and increases to 7 weeks after 6 years. Kilpatrick Stockton also has monthly Employee Appreciation events with free food and alcoholic beverages Another benefit is that Kilpatrick Stockton provides ample opportunities to get involved in community activities.

Cons

No formal Telecommuting policy or Tuition Reimbursement benefit; Have to pay for parking;

Advice to Senior Management

Invest more time in improving retention and providing an equal level of professional development opportunities to both professional staff and attorneys.

Pros

Comparable salary and good benefits. I think the best thing is the liberal vacation policy. They have a system where they use "APL" or approved personal leave meaning that when you make a leave request they do not distinguish between vacation and sick leave. All employees get 2 weeks sick leave per year. New employees get 2 weeks vacation in addition to sick leave and after 10 years you get 4 weeks vacation (plus sick leave) or 6 weeks total. This is the best vacation deal I have ever had. They also have health benefits, medical with copay, some dental, and some vision benefits.

Cons

I feel as though the management leaves a lot to be desired. For whatever reason they have put some people in management and basically let them do whatever they please. They show favoritism and and are not very helpful with your problems. My ideal employer would try to help me develop my talents and they do not in fact give the impression that they are actually trying to help me develop mine. They give lip services to providing opportunities and diversity but this doesn't really extend to non-attorneys.

Advice to Senior Management

Ask the people in management to have a better system of accountability rather than just giving them a blank check to do whatever they want to.