Sidley Austin Employee Reviews about "law firm"
74% would recommend to a friend
(19 total reviews)
Michael Schmidtberger and Yvette Ostolaza
89% approve of CEO
Found 19 of over 630 reviews
Updated Dec 4, 2023
- Popular
- Most Recent
- Highest Rating
- Lowest Rating
What people are saying about Sidley Austin
Got a burning question about Sidley Austin? Just ask!
On Glassdoor, you can share insights and advice anonymously with Sidley Austin employees and get real answers from people on the inside.
Top Review Highlights by Sentiment
Excerpts from user reviews, not authored by Glassdoor
- "Unfortunately, problem resolution stops at the secretarial management level, where if you reach out to them for support, they are not equipped with conflict resolution." (in 14 reviews)
- "Depending on your direct manager, it can be a supportive environment with great resources." (in 4 reviews)
Ratings by Demographics
This rating reflects the overall rating of Sidley Austin and is not affected by filters.
Reviews about "law firm"
Return to all Reviews- 4.0Feb 16, 2017AssociateCurrent Employee
Pros
Extraordinarily collegial atmosphere; associates have quite a bit of flexibility and control over their schedule and work assignments, in part due to 'free market' system of allocating work. If you want to work at a big law firm, this is a great one to choose.
Cons
Like any large law firm, very high hours requirements, not sustainable for most people in the long run. No matching 401k. "Unlimited" vacation, but uninterrupted vacation is hardly ever possible.
4 - 3.0Oct 1, 2016Anonymous EmployeeFormer Employee
Pros
salaries, none, none, none, none
Cons
typical culture of law firms
1 - 5.0Aug 26, 2019ParalegalCurrent Employee, more than 5 yearsDallas, TX
Pros
Very diverse; most women in any law firm I've ever worked in; solidly attuned to needs of it's staff; gives back to the community
Cons
long work hours; and somewhat stressful, but it's the life you choose working in a big law firm. I still love it
- 5.0Oct 22, 2019Administrative AssistantCurrent Employee, more than 5 yearsChicago, IL
Pros
Amazing benefits Very generous with time off I've made life long friends in my colleagues here I feel my managers genuinely care about me
Cons
Sometimes have to work long hours or over the weekend, but that's the case with all law firms and most big corporations.
- 4.0Jun 11, 2011Client Billing AnalystCurrent EmployeeChicago, IL
Pros
Great pay for work being performed Great hours (35 hours/week), very little overtime required Smart managers and senior management Firm has a great reputation
Cons
Working as a non-attorney in a law firm greatly limits growth opportunities and skills development Limited professional growth
1 - 4.0Aug 24, 2022Anonymous EmployeeCurrent Employee
Pros
I've worked at two other top tier law firms and Sidley is the first that has valued work/life balance. My entire team logs off at 5pm and no one bats an eye.
Cons
Still a very traditional law firm.
- 5.0Jan 26, 2013Attorney, 3rd-YearFormer Employee, more than 3 yearsWashington, DC
Pros
Work load was not overwhelming. Colleagues were friendly and helpful. About as family friendly as a big law firm can be.
Cons
Like most big law firms, hours requirement mandates a long day on a regular basis and some weekend work.
1 - 5.0Jan 6, 2021Lawyer/SolicitorCurrent EmployeeLondon, England
Pros
Highest quality training and development among law firms in the UK and US. Excellent benefit and support for its lawyers. Very exceptional colleagues to learn from.
Cons
Long hours and high pressure work.
- 5.0Oct 1, 2020Summer Program AssistantFormer Intern, less than 1 yearChicago, IL
Pros
Very diverse law firm and are committed to inclusion. Very friendly atmosphere. A team environment and everyone is open to helping and giving opportunities for you to learn new things
Cons
No cons for this company