Law firms need lots of people. Few workplaces are more exciting and rewarding than a big-time law office.
Perks are excellent, and the surroundings are plush.
Museum-quality art often adorns the walls. But the work is demanding, the hours long, and mistakes not tolerated well. At many firms, young associates toil until 1 AM six nights a week. Competition for partnerships is cutthroat. It has a long history of treating employees without the arrogance one might expect from high-powered corporate attorneys.