Orrick Reviews

Pros

The people that work there (for the most part - see below) are great.

Cons

Management - hard to believe that some of the people that are picked as leaders remain leaders.

Advice to Senior Management

Stop micro-managing. It is not beneficial to the company as a whole. Let those who have the knowledge in the respective area do their job. Everyone will be much happier.

Pros

They gave me a job. They are diversified and likely won't go under like some other firms that have disintegrated recently. The are relatively open compared with other firms, having quarterly town hall meetings, although the value of this is less than meets the eye. It's more like information and not knowledge.

Cons

Health insurance is VERY expensive. Too much bureaucracy. The nickel and dime about important things but throw money away on things that provide no value. Can take forever to get approval to get anything done or anything purchased. Near sourcing to Wheeling has not been very successful, but that's Ralph's baby so you dare not criticize it.

Advice to Senior Management

Streamline the management structure. No more backdoor politics.

Pros

Top compensation; great vacation policy (i.e., you can actually take it); fantastic office space (the offices really are works of art); more friendly people than one would normally find in a law firm of this size; a fair amount of socialization; great summer programs in most offices; fancy coffee and espresso bars in the building; lots of other perks.

Cons

BIGLAW is inherently flawed, and can never really produce a satisfying work environment because of the billable hour structure. Even Orrick has its difficult individuals, but the overall vibe is touchy-feely. Not all offices are created equal, however, and CA offices have a much better vibe than NY or DC.

Advice to Senior Management

You can't have Skadden profits and a decent culture at the same time!

Pros

Friendly work environment; recognition for good performanace; good pay; good opportunities for advancement.

Cons

Communication between attorneys and support staff can be lacking; some incompetent paralegals become entrenched in the firm and rise to senior status without merit simply because they have been there a long time; not as many perks as other firms (paralegals can't use Seamless Web, tighter restrictions on car service, not a lot of free events for employees).

Advice to Senior Management

Use a more meritocratic approach with support staff; do not simply give promotions for length of service, but rather for quality of work; provide for free events and services for employees.

Pros

Well known firm and job security

Cons

Quality of life is sub-par. The pressure to work long hours is evident.

Advice to Senior Management

Realize that employees have a life outside of work. Reward quality of work, not number of hours billed. This will promote efficiency.

Pros

Great location in the bay area

Cons

Commute is very very long

Advice to Senior Management

Nothing

Pros

Firm name recognition for lateral moves to another firm. Benefits.

Cons

No real leadership. Firm lacks individuals who understand a team concept. Others in management seem not as helpful when a tight deadline is looming. Employee morale always seemed low and there was too much micromanaging without a true mentoring. Mentoring and refrain from all the negative chit chat about this lawyer or the next lawyer. Hold people accountable, even upper management.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep your ears open and act when there is incompetence. Don't let people stay on at the firm who have a problem with fostering a team atmosphere. Stop being afraid to delegate.

Pros

Benefits are great. My assignments are great to work with. My coworkers are also great.

Cons

Management doesn't listen. There is too much bureacracy and management needs to listen to "staff" needs, and not just "lawyers."

Advice to Senior Management

See downsides.