associate

specialist

business development manager

legal assistant

administrative coordinator

Morgan-Lewis

I’m not an attorney, but I know you are worked to death as a new associate in “Big Law” so if you don’t have an interest in a work-life balance while making $200k+ a year, this will be a great fit. The prestige is there, the network is there, the compensation is there, but I don’t view this employer as one providing a sustainable way of life. 

First off, the benefits could be better. There are no health plans without a high deductible. The dental plan also has a deductible, and a very small out-of-pocket maximum that will not cover anything fully besides a cleaning and exam yearly. They offer an HSA/flex spending account, but I feel the coverage should be more robust considering the wealth of the firm. They offer employee assistance, STD/LTD, retirement, etc. but I don’t see their package as above and beyond any other top firms or other employers. 

Second, the incredible pressure that is put on you mentally is enough to have any normally sane person running for a therapist. From the top down, they let you know that your mistakes could be costly. Match this with a lack of good training, and you will be stricken with anxiety. I have taken on numerous projects with zero direction, zero assistance, and if you make a mistake, even if you’ve asked for assistance, you are judged and the response is you don’t get those kind of projects again, instead of working through them with management. And speaking of management, I’ve found they’re very wrapped up in completing their own work, and just as stressed out as you are, that they are less of a resource and more of a hinderance. 

I am currently in the LawPath program, (we are called a Legal Practice Assistant - “LPA”) which is a unique program the firm offers new undergraduates who are interested in attending law school and provides practical experience and assistance on that path, should you choose to go that route. It is two years, roughly, but many seem to leave before then to either attend law school or further their education another way. Some do complete the program and stay on with the firm in another capacity, such as a paralegal, or in business development. Only a few have gone on to law school and none have returned to the firm, so I think this speaks volumes about what the program offers (as well as its more recent inception.) The program itself is shoddily put together, with no dedicated team following up on the Legal Practice Assistant’s success, needs, or training. Each person in the programs leadership is firstly dedicated to their own practice group or position, so it feels like we get what they have left, and that isn’t always much. Even our handbook focuses on managements achievements, and does little to indicate what the LPA job is like. It’s a bit of a mystery. We have no group trainings, no forum to air grievances, and we’re spread all across the nation, which makes it difficult to make meaningful connections with others in the same shoes. Not to mention that more senior employees and attorney’s treat some of us poorly. They ghost us, speak to us like we’re less than human, or even yell at us. They are frequently condescending in communications. Some people are targeted unfairly (I’ve seen the messages) and honestly, it feels like it isn’t worth it a lot of the time. It is a very high-strung environment. You will find some to not be this way, but overall, everybody seems pretty overwhelmed, you are under constant deadlines, and the support leaves something to be desired. It is difficult to get work outside of your practice group, even though you are told the opposite when recruited. If you don’t know what sector of law you’re interested in, or you find the work of your own practice group to be dull (honestly most legal work seems a bit dull, spoiler alert), your response from management will be to “knock on attorney’s doors” while you’re in the office and let them know what you’re interested in. There is no clear pipeline for work. So in other words, you have to do all the work yourself. I really believe that they just don’t know what to do with us, and it shows. No expectations besides constant perfection, and no typical work day. If you need structure, you might struggle here. 

As for upward mobility - if you are not an attorney, it will take you a LONG time to move up here. It seems there are a lot of women in leadership roles but their tenures are 10, 15, 20 years before reaching a manager or senior status. While there may be a female chair, it doesn’t seem like women are fast-tracked for their experience and dedication. 

PS - you don’t need this program to be a paralegal, they recruit for that directly out of undergrad. Check LinkedIn to confirm. 

While I have worked at other larger and more pulchritudinously pleasing firms ... what drew me to this position was the anticipated challenge of working with high-end professionals and having the firm-provided tools to produce excellent work product. While the New York office is a satellite office (tethered to their main office in Philadelphia, PA) working within the procedural perimeters was more bothersome to the Firm’s Attorneys than to its Staff (which may explain the higher 'War-Pay' Staff salaries).

In hindsight the patrolling supervisory staff (coupled with an ever watchful HR staff) were primary concerned more towards self-preservation as opposed working within the job description of their illustrious job titles. My hat goes off to the veteran support staff that preceded my tenure at the Firm. Since my association with the Firm I have become aware of many a support staff person who replaced the amply supplied Listerine (which is openly if not freely supplied in every Rest Room) for purportedly heavy doses of Prozac.

While Morgan Lewis may appear glossy and shiny upon first approach one should have a very well thought out exit plan from the onset. Your 'expiration date' is assuredly set before the position is offered.

What is the best part of working at the company?
I’m feel the best part about working at Morgan Lewis LLP is the commitment to positive self care and self development. It makes for a great connection with the staff and the upper levels of management. That connection makes for a more engaging and enjoyable environment with better positive interactions between management and staff.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
I did not experience any stress issues working at Morgan Lewis as a matter of fact I appreciated my experience at Morgan Lewis 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The work environment was not so stressful and I was very impressed with the cultural diversity of the employees 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day for me was a long day of associating with both attorneys and staff members who requested supplies either through email or through voicemail.

To clarify, Morgan Lewis internal staff my have a different experience from those who work the remote service desk managed by TekSystems. The Service Desk offers little to no growth, and little to no incentive for hard working, productive employees. Employees are referred to as "bodies" and treated as such.

There is no incentive or benefit to furthering ones education, or building technical skillset.  In addition, many promises are made to employees concerning raises and full time conversions that are never fulfilled, despite positive feedback and production. Leadership is comprised of friends, and not necessarily individuals who are qualified.

The greatest concern for Teksystems/Allegis group Service Desk is its inablity to retain and nurture talent. The environment is not conducive to take advantage of the diversity of talent present at the Service Desk

I would definite recommend Morgan Lewis to anybody.  I have worked many places but, here I feel like they really value my work.  Everybody has been great and it wasn't just in the beginning, but all along.  There is real feeling of respect and collaboration. The culture here as great. All the managers I have are aways there and they doors are always open, not just for work but if you need to talk or vent about something.  They all really know what they are doing because the company promotes from within. Many of the people I have met have been with the company since or office opened and the company has been around a long time and now has office all over the world, literally. The pay, befits, and past time off are all fair.  The expectations are high, but the rewards are worth it.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Very few of the "real" people exist there to make it tollerable. Over the years thing have changed and madeit horrible to work there.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Forced overtime or you are fired,no immediate help when you need it most, complicated expectations.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Hostile most definitely. Never affraid to tell you do A,B,C or else you lose your job. This is an at will employer so they can fire you on the spot but demand you give two weeks notice if you quit.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
"Here !, process these documents and then if you finish before the hour let me know otherwise be done within an hour so we can start the next.....

My typical day was busy and productive. There were many responsibilities that I enjoyed which made my work week fly. I learned how to get many things done in a timely manner. Whether it was spending 20 minutes a day on whichever needed to get done. I learned how to focus my attention on certain areas and how to become more detailed and organized. Management was nice but distant. The coworkers were great, it was a professional work environment. The hardest part of the job was setting up the most organized way to work and reestablishing myself after any mistakes were made. The most enjoyable part of my job was always being busy. Whether I was in the kitchen, in my office, or in the stock room, I liked the diversity in that.

It is a good idea to have an exit strategy in place from the day you arrive. Before the recession, turnover was kind of high, but during the recession, people just quietly disappeared one by one. Sometimes new people would come in to replace them at a lower salary.
The hardest part of my job was dealing with the behavioral problems of my manager(s) and coworker(s). The immature, unprofessional behavior of those in my department was an unbelievable waste of time and energy.
There are a lot of nice people who work for Morgan Lewis, however. Don't let the bad ones ruin it for you.

I was employed at above firm for almost 25 years assisting a B&F partner for duration. He was for 2 years Managing Partner of NY office and my duties included liaison between NYO and main office in Phila. I liked this assignment as it gave me opportunity to meet and interact with employees on all levels. I worked for many associates in real estate, bankruptcy, litigation, finance for duration. Hardest part of job was dealing with coworkers and associates who were not in my level, either professionally or intellectually but you find this in almost any workplace. The most enjoyable part of my position was working with nice, competent secretaries and attorneys who would show their appreciation,

If you want an easy job with normal business hours and forgiving managers, you're crazy to go to a large firm. At ML&B, like at every large firm, you will work long hours and you'll be held to high standards when it comes to the quality of your work and how quickly you respond when needed. What Morgan does that other firms don't do, however, is provide flexible options for their employees to meet their obligations without sacrificing their entire lives. What Morgan also does is ensure that its attorneys are able to take care of themselves by, for instance, liberally granting paid leave during extended medical-based absences. Overall, there is a sense that once you are hired, the partners genuinely want you to succeed at the firm and to become your best professional self without having to live and breathe your job.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Associate 5 salaries reported	$255,000 per year
Specialist 28 salaries reported	$89,124 per year
Business development manager 25 salaries reported	$111,958 per year
Legal assistant 11 salaries reported	$69,871 per year
Administrative coordinator 17 salaries reported	$79,333 per year

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