Simpson Thacher Reviews

Pros

The work is excellent and the workflow is constant. However, there are few opportunities to move up and most associates end up leaving for other opportunities after a few years.

Cons

There is a lack of quality of life and unpredictable hours are the norm. Co-workers are nice but people are very serious and somewhat uptight.

Pros

The people and the company are great but being a paralegal is not. The work is really boring and it never gets better

Cons

The work is boring, but that's not STB's fault, that's just the job. Bad hours, little control over your life/time.

Advice to Senior Management

Pay paralegals more and have a better staffing system-- people should not be allowed to sign up for deals, should be staffed so it's fair.

Pros

Compensation is, frankly, generous even in light of the hours
Work with very smart people on complex matters
Firm management is noticeably "nicer' than most comparable firms

Cons

Hours range from long to basically round-the-clock
Work follows you home
The big firm model counts on significant attrition, which worked in pre-recession, but is tough when you're one of hundreds of similarly situated biglaw associates competing for the handful of decent jobs out there these days

Advice to Senior Management

N/A

Pros

The status of a firm like that. It looks good on a resume. Well respected firm, with high profile clients and challenging, complex work.

Cons

Soulless. It's a sad, lonely place to work.

Pros

Surrounded by highly intelligent professional that are driven to deliver for clients. An environment that allows you to interact with senior members of the firm and go beyond the industry and learn more about new industries.

Cons

Long hours that at times seems unnecessary. Too much "on-hold" time that can result in all-nighters (sometimes consecutive). A conservative culture.

Advice to Senior Management

On the whole, a fantastic firm where you quickly understand how the firm has earned its premium reputation. Greater collaboration across levels.

Pros

Slight bonuses and pay raises given so I guess that's a good thing especially in today's economy, something is better than nothing.

Cons

Treatment of Mail Service/Messenger workers (especially those with disabilities) needs to improve 'greatly'. Lack of communication within this department is horrendous, and promotions needs to be improved upon as well.

Advice to Senior Management

Please learn how to listen to those employees who are loyal to your company? They are the backbone of what makes any company the best at what they do, especially when it comes to helping the public.

Pros

many law firms can be a difficult place to work but the atmosphere at simpson thacher is pretty relaxed and great

Cons

it's still a law firm so as a paralegal, you have to work with SOME attorneys who treat you badly and the pay is not great, unless you're working overtime but then you'll be working to 3 in themorning some nights and will have to work overtime last minute many times and on the weekends as well

Advice to Senior Management

provide more opportunities for paralegals and attorneys to get to know each other so ther eis some level of camaraderie and mutual respect as they must work togethr closely

Pros

You are exposed to high profile work and big name clients, and the Simpson name opens doors. The people are generally nice and diverse.

Cons

The hours can be long (and unpredictable depending on the practice area). There should be more communication between the partnership and associates (for example, during the economic meltdown, people were worried about their jobs, and it would have been great if some kind of statement had been issued about how the firm was going to deal with the crisis).

Advice to Senior Management

Please see above regarding more open communication. I think it would give associates a better sense of the big picture.

Pros

Good place for a first job..esp if you don't have previous corporate experience. It helps you learn a level of professionalism that will take you far elsewhere.
Free starbucks coffee was a nice perk.. as well as the Tuition Reimbursement after 1 year! Take advantage of that if you're a student!
NICE Christmas bonuses! I remember getting 2 extra checks around that time of year- one from the firm, another from Mr. Beattie.

Cons

Dog eat Dog! Tough environment at times. Some of the attorneys are soooo unbelievably cocky and rude. Expect to have to deal with their *&^*@ at times.. Mr Beattie is really nice though.

Advice to Senior Management

Take more vacations. Ya'll look like you need it.

Pros

Free Starbucks Coffee!
Tuition reimbursement!
uh... yeah.. that's about it.
Ok ok.. maybe the recognition from working for such a large firm

Cons

You know which 'class' your in from day one. If you're a scrub.. dont even think to aspire to be more, or do more.
If you aren't an attorney, and you are a motivated individual who wants to GROWN and PROGRESS in your career.. this will be a dead-end job for you which will bring little satisfaction.
If you are comfortable just pushing buttons or answering phones (non-legal staff), and are content doing that.. than this is your cup of tea.

Advice to Senior Management

Relax! Relate! Release!! Repeat! Relax! Relate! Release! Come on.. you kin du it!! :)