King & Spalding Reviews

Cons

Sometimes, there are long hours.

Cons

- Managers need more experience and coaching on managing employees

Cons

work can be a little tedious.

Cons

Hard to move up if not willing to relocate

Cons

NY office is overcrowded at the moment

Cons

This was not my first experience at a corporate firm so I was surprised by how the culture of the workplace is. First off, at the Discovery Center, you are completely separated from the main K&S building. It's not a far work but when you are constantly focused on meeting your billables, which if you're lucky is only eight, you don't even bother trying to be a human being a take a short walk. Life at K&S has no flexibility. Some managing attorneys treat you like a human being and really only care that the work is done efficiently and accurately, but the culture itself is toxic.

It's not an environment where one feels like a working professional, let alone an attorney. The employees, whether higher-up or those who are new and sit at the pit, the environment is toxic. It is a mixture of high school and an unpleasant internship. You will find that people are very gossipy. You will find that those who have been there longer are rude. You will find that everyone complains about every little thing. And you will also find that no rules are followed and nothing really even makes sense. Even with HR protocols in place, the firm plays favoritism. They will let some things slide with some and then with others, there is a no-tolerance.

Work/life balance is almost non-existent. I have seen people stressed out over childcare or other responsibilities they have in their life because simply, the work has to get done.

There also seems to be poor time management that trickles down to the project attorneys. Don't be surprised to be told late Friday afternoon that you have to work that weekend because "things changed" or things come up.

There is little to no advancement. We were told by upper management to not even think about a promotion until we have been there past two years. Also, bonuses are very confusing.

Location is also terrible. Does not matter if you don't live far from Midtown, you will be stuck in terrible traffic. There is also construction in the area which will make morning and evening commute terrible. And no, you cannot go to work early to leave early. You will get in trouble, even if you completed your billable hours.

My best advice is to keep to yourself as much as possible. And try your hardest to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Depending on your project that may be impossible for weeks and months at a time.

Cons

Expect to work long and unpredictable hours

Cons

Strong lack of company culture

Cons

Does not pay market rates

Cons

Conservative over innovative; minimal coaching and mentoring at the junior level