Quinn Emanuel Reviews

Pros

There's no dress code and the people are very laid back. Everyone is very nice and there's plenty opportunity for making overtime.

Cons

The pay is not as competitive as I've hoped. Procedures can be unclear at times which can be confusing at times.

Pros

Seems to have a great reputation in the legal world, and so should have no trouble finding employment after working at QE for a few years.

Cons

Sweatshop attitude by partners. Terrible infrastructure and support staff -- support staff are way underpaid and therefore are subpar. This leads to an extra burden on associates.

Advice to Senior Management

Spend more money where it counts -- on technology and staff. This is an investment that will be repaid in more competent support work.

Pros

Working with very smart and driven people on challenging assignments.

Cons

The hard work never stops.

Advice to Senior Management

Be more transparent in your evaluations, and make them more frequent.

Pros

The money is top of the market, the only positive to working at Quinn. However, they will cut compensation the moment they think the market will allow them to.

Cons

Contrary to the hype, virtually none of them are trial lawyers. Very few partners have experience as the lead on even one trial much less the dozen or so it takes to achieve a minimal proficiency as a trial lawyer. The entire system is designed to squeeze the associates as much as possible - they take no interest in your career. If you want to last more than a year or two, you need to be billing in excess of 2500. The worst place I've ever worked.

Advice to Senior Management

QE succeeds at the mission its set for itself - high profits per partner. It fails at any other measurement of value, whether value to the client, the employees, or the community.

Pros

Quinn pays its attorneys at the top of the market. It also has no concerns about "face time" and it is easy to work at home when circumstances require.

Cons

There is no sense of responsibility towards the associates -- you sink or swim on your own. It is not a friendly place. Also, it is primarily a patent litigation shop, which is fine if you are in fact a patent litigator but is problematic if you are a general or soft IP attorney.

Advice to Senior Management

Invest not just in the compensation of your associates but in their development and growth, and do not hire people who don't have the background you seek.

Pros

The casual dress code and atmosphere are the best part of working at Quinn Emanuel. They have a pretty consistent method for raises and bonuses, however small they may be. The people are laid back and for the most part a joy to be around and the talent is very impressive. This is a good company to begin and grow with, if given the opportunity there is much room for learning and growth in the industry. If not for the very undervalued pay structure I would definitely consider working there again in the future and recommend this company to others.

Cons

The compensation is far below market for staff not including attorneys. The firm is very top heavy, willing to spend fortunes on attorney bonuses and salaries but pinches pennies on staff and overhead. For associates, the partner track seems to get longer every year and there is too much competition for advancement or real experience and responsibility. For staff there is no upward mobility possible and because the compensation is so low the turnover is very high and the quality of much of the staff in terms of competence and experience is way below other firms of similar standing in the industry.

Advice to Senior Management

Respect and appreciate those that excel and go so far out of their way to do a good job. Also, bring your pay scale at least up to market rates.