Other than the California connection, says one contact, we re looking for motivated people with an interest in practicing in a full-service law firm. Insiders point out that, in the summer program, the assignment coordinator plays no part in the decision to give offers. It s neat to have that kind of buzzer zone, so you can say no, says one associate. An associate in L.A. characterizes the firm as trying to find itself in an ever changing world trying to shift from a big bureaucratic firm to one that is big, but moves more like a 90s business rather than a dinosaur. A tax attorney finds the firm meticulous, careful and conservative, and adds that the firm is a great place for training to learn how to do things right.
Many insiders stress the changes taking place at the firm.
A real estate attorney also sees the firm transitioning from old school to progressive. In intellectual property, an attorney notes that the culture currently is changing dramatically, and comments that the partners are making strong efforts to develop team spirit. For some, change isn t coming fast enough. As a consequence, the firm has been slow to institute the necessary changes to compete effectively in the changing legal and business environment. The same contact, however, admits that recently, firm management appears to be taking strides to become more competitive including evaluation of partnership contribution and removal where necessary.