litigation paralegal

paralegal

legal assistant

it support

front desk receptionist

Marks & Harrison

I have worked at Marks & Harrison for many years and have learned so much in that time. Also in being here, you meet others who have been hired from other similar Firms. While the job title can be the same, the job requirements can be a bit different depending on where you are. With Marks & Harrison you learn a lot more to become a well-rounded personal injury paralegal.  Whether you are in pre-lit or lit, you learn every bit of your job from beginning to end. In the beginning, it can be overwhelming for someone coming in without any background, but as time goes, you seem to learn more than at other personal injury Firms. Some Firms do have other departments that can assist in working a case, but it also means you don't learn how to fill in the gaps, connect the pieces, or get a full understanding of how to do every part of your role. 

As far as the environment, as with any company, the more people there are, the more personalities there are. Since there are many attorneys and branches, there are opportunities to find your fit. Different attorneys have different leadership styles, what works for one person may not work for another. There is a good mix of paralegals that have been at this Firm for the long haul, as well as newer ones just getting started. Theres a great mix of experience and backgrounds which can benefit when you have questions.  I have made extremely good connections and friendships with coworkers, and I have worked for attorneys that I feel respect me and truly care. If you work hard for them, they work hard to also support you. 

I endured M & H for just over a year at a branch office. The only attorney assigned there appeared maybe 3-4 hrs a day (with a long lunch break) and the 2 staff workers ignored office policies and were hateful shrews. They played on Facebook all day and passed work off to me (the newest member). They incessantly reveled and whined about their hillbilly drama lowlife off-time, drunk parties, friends and family getting arrested, unwed pregnancies, and cursing about the head of the company. The total gang of 3 had been together for 10 years.

Even though I was better educated (which they resented) and more efficient (because they didn't work) they ganged up and lied about me to the boss. He was so clueless he didn't know better and didn't want to rock the boat of receiving his easy paycheck. He wouldn't know a management skill if it bit him in the butt. He fired me without even having 1 single conversation with me during the year, no reviews, no warning. This got him in trouble with the head office and they overruled him. Needless to say, the 2 cwords were even angrier that I wasn't gone and their plan failed.  I quit with a small settlement check after turning in a report to the head office. They will always make life miserable for the revolving door of future applicants.

The result - I'm out of a job and the shitshow continues.
The main office was notified in writing about all of this but doesn't care. The branch brings in about 1 million gross to the bottom line - so if they all are toxic and inept it is irrelevant. The main office is intentionally blind, deaf and dumb.

Marks & Harrison is by far the best place I have worked. I started as a paralegal with a little over a year of experience and have learned so much in the years I have been here.  People are always willing to teach you what you do not know and the collaboration is wonderful. If you are dedicated and do your job well, they are equally as dedicated to you.  They are great about teaching you how to work a case from beginning to end and those skills will help you for years to come. There is a general sense of happiness here and you can see that in your colleagues. Some days are busier than others but I always feel supported,  that is just the nature of being a paralegal. 

As with any work place though, some personalities clash and you may not work well with everyone. . To me,  the good heavily outweighs the bad. I love coming to work each day because of the rapport I have made being here. 

They also do several fun firm outings/events throughout the year and  I have always felt valued and appreciated. 

This company is HIGHLY toxic. The main office in Richmond resembles a snake pit filled with unhappy employees who take pleasure in making others' lives difficult. Micromanagement and office politics are rampant. Confidentiality is non-existent, and the level of professionalism is shockingly low. Upper management shows no concern for employees; you are just a number to them. They push you to your limits. Training is horrible. The turnover rate is so high that they’ve stopped updating the staff list for new hires and resignations. Favoritism is prevalent, and if you’re not part of the inner circle, you’ll be treated poorly. Employees are belittled and mocked behind closed doors. Compensation is inadequate, and raises are rare. Recognition for your efforts is minimal. You will be constantly monitored in a highly stressful atmosphere. AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS

The work environment can be quite toxic, especially in the Alexandria office. Some senior attorneys and paralegals display controlling and unprofessional behavior, and there is a strong top-down, boss-subordinate dynamic that leaves little room for collaboration or growth. Reporting toxic behavior often leads to retaliation or being pushed out, rather than resolving the underlying issues. Unfortunately, teamwork is not a valued part of the culture among older staff. On a positive note, the newer attorneys are respectful, supportive, and demonstrate true leadership qualities. If you value a healthy work culture, it may be best to avoid working closely with the senior staff in this office.

Although M & H has grown over the years, it is still run like a family business.  The firm does a great job of having events for the staff such as yoga classes, lunches, cookouts, casual Fridays, and continued training.

The firm does a great job accommodating those with families.  The firm policy has built in flexibility for when situations arise.

There is a mixture of newer employees and employees that have been with the firm for 20, 30, and even 40+ years.  This can create conflict, but overall, I think it is a plus.  

The older attorneys do a good job in bringing in newer attorneys on cases so that they can learn.  The firm is supportive and pays for continued legal education (CLE).

When I started working at M&H, they had monthly fun events which relieved the work stress.  After Covid-19, most of that stopped and I would just be working long 8 hour days totally isolated in my office.  A lot of office politics as attorneys bully their staff and staff picks on each other.  You are always being watched at work which is really stressful.  The attorneys pile work on you if you are good at something.  Overall a really traumatizing experience.

I have grown to really like working here.  Appreciate the opportunities to work on challenging auto collision cases involving complex medical injuries.  The best part of my job is communicating with clients and helping them.  My writing has improved a lot due to helpful criticisms from attorneys and attorney and client feedback.  I hope to continue working here for at least the next 5 years.

A great atmosphere to work! Co-workers are always there to help, or bounce ideas off of. Management organizes a lot of fun events throughout the year, and perks here and there. I’m able to leave for the day and not worry about work. Great for those with a family! Room for growth if you put in the work. Rewarded for doing well at your position.

Have been here several years and enjoy working for this firm. Great balance of work/personal life. Professional environment but still easy going. Each attorney has a slightly different way of doing things, so it's not always consistent across the board, but would recommend!

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Litigation paralegal 6 salaries reported	$54,247 per year
Paralegal 3 salaries reported	$54,000 per year
Legal assistant 2 salaries reported	$53,750 per year
It support 2 salaries reported	$20.44 per hour
Front desk receptionist 2 salaries reported	$18.61 per hour

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