Morgan Lewis Reviews

Former Employee – worked at Morgan Lewis as a contractor for less than a year

Pros – E-Data contractors have very little oversight from supervisors, which is a good thing in this instance. More relaxed atmosphere which actually led to more productivity overall. Most associates in that department are very laid back and hands-off. Nobody looks over your shoulder. Can basically set your own hours, but I wouldn't stretch the limits of that too far. Can work extra hours on the weekend, because the firm is open 24/7. Dress code is a very relaxed business casual, though most coders probably dress more formal than the actual associates for whatever reason. Associates will answer your tech questions pretty quickly despite being overworked themselves. Never felt like I was treated unprofessionally. The associates I worked with were excellent and treated you as an equal. You may have a very slim chance of a full-time position if you are good and are there long enough.

Working conditions are dependent on where you're stationed. If you're in 1801, you're fine. The Deuce is another story. 3 levels down and basically in the subway. Air quality is crummy. But you get snacks every day and sometimes the associates will buy everyone pizza on a long project day. Software platform is a tad outdated.(But easy to master)

Cons – Some associates/team managers are not clear in their instructions (not their fault usually, as they get screwy instructions from litigation departments that don't understand what they need)

Your team manager can be super laid back or not. Luck of the draw. But everyone I worked with was extremely professional and courteous (no talking down to people; yelling etc.). Some are more proactive than others. Some are just better than others. Its like anything else in life.

The job is literally bad for your health (Not MLB's fault). But 50+ hours a week sitting in front of a computer in a windowless will take its toll on you.

MAJOR ISSUE: Down time. Every firm has it, but this is an extreme case. The Philly office does most of the doc review for the other MLB's offices in the US and they get so backed up that you're out of a job for weeks on end until they're ready to start up again. Meanwhile in some instances you have to be ready to start an emergency job at a moment's notice. The associates don't communicate what the status of the next project is or when it will start. That may be because they don't know themselves, but its not really a way to make steady money to support yourself long term.

You're easily replaceable. Not unique to Morgan Lewis, but always remember that. Your law degree is utterly useless, and it doesn't matter what school you went to or what your GPA was.

 But at least they actually pay overtime.

Advice to Senior Management – Hire more E-Data tech people and/or Associates so there's not so much lag between projects.

More feedback on what the work situation is and maybe some individual evaluations so you know if you're screwing up or not.

Update to Relativity. Much better interface for users. Also, dual screens on all the workstations would speed up production.

Find a better work area than the Deuce. Worrying about your lungs and if the ceiling tile is gonna fall on you because the Bakery above is rinsing off pans and its dripping down is not a good way to work.

Try to schedule the projects so the down time is limited. This may be difficult in some instances.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

Current Employee – been working at Morgan Lewis full-time

Pros – I enjoy working with friendly people

Cons – My commute from home can be a drag.

Current Employee – been working at Morgan Lewis full-time

Pros – Fun people to work with. Esposure to a lot of technology.

Cons – Beware of rogue managers. If you are not in their "click" watch your back.

Advice to Senior Management – Time to revisit certain departments and look into how they operate. Not all is peachy like you think it is.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

Current Employee – been working at Morgan Lewis full-time for more than 3 years

Pros – The leadership team is excellent and committed to professional development. A very broad client base poses terrific learning opportunities. Great company culture, and very fair work-life balance (for a big law firm).

Cons – There were very few negatives about working at Morgan Lewis. I enjoyed learning from the senior associates and partners, and do not have anything bad to say about the experience. I ultimately left on very good terms and continue to work with them today (as a client).

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

Current Employee – been working at Morgan Lewis full-time for more than 7 years

Pros – Morgan Lewis is stable and predictable. The attorneys, in general, are nice to the staff. The San Francisco office has a great location.

Cons – They were frugal before the recession, but during the recession, they took it to an extreme. No genuine generosity or loyalty towards the staff. Everything is dictated from the HQ in Philadelphia--no exceptions. But, the notable problem with the San Francisco office is the number of people who came into the company via Morgan's merger with the collapsed law firm of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison in 2003. Many of them have only worked for two firms--Brobeck and Morgan. So, they are always comparing one to the other. Over and over and over again. If you are going to work in the S.F. office, you have to be prepared to deal with that ping pong mind-set.

Advice to Senior Management – Get real with yourselves.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

Current Employee – been working at Morgan Lewis

Pros – Just about everyone here is extremely smart and talented but still friendly. They do a great job of weeding out the jerks somehow. Most partners are very approachable and are not making you think you're wasting their billable time if you stop in to ask a question. You don't find this at most large law firms.

Cons – The Philadelphia office is huge and people tend to stick to their practice groups. You have to really go out of your way to meet other associates and partners in other practice groups.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

Current Employee – been working at Morgan Lewis

Pros – Working in DC. Good area of town. Large Firm has benefits.

Cons – Extremely stuffy atmosphere. Higher ups nobody worth emulating.

Current Employee – been working at Morgan Lewis

Pros – Stability, excellent training; casual dress, nice people to work with, no clock to punch

Cons – Some favoritism, have to wait 10 years for 4 weeks vacation; crummy supplies, better holiday bonuses.

Advice to Senior Management – I think Morgan Lewis is a great place to work!

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

Former Employee – worked at Morgan Lewis

Pros – Well managed
High tech
Festive
Professional
Fair compensation, excellent benefits

Cons – Hiring process for administrative staff is extremely slow and former employees with years of institutional experience who reply do not receive any courteous feedback.

Advice to Senior Management – Keep up the good work.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

Former Employee – worked at Morgan Lewis

Pros – Good culture and friendly staff.

Cons – Lower salaries compared to other companies.

Advice to Senior Management – Employee development.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend