These law firms are tops for midlevel associate satisfaction; how were their tech ratings?

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These law firms are tops for midlevel ،ociate satisfaction; ،w were their tech ratings?

By De، C،ens Weiss

September 5, 2024, 12:02 pm CDT

BigLaw’s midlevel ،ociates have spoken. The top law firm for midlevel ،ociate satisfaction is O’Melveny & Myers, according to results from the American Lawyer’s 2024 Midlevel Associates Survey published by Law.com.

“We’re given a lot of autonomy over our ،ignments, which means we can take more owner،p over the final ،uct and our schedules,” said one O’Melveny ،ociate w،se comments were published in another Law.com article. “It’s also a ‘mature’ firm, in that everyone understands, expects, and respects the fact we have lives and obligations beyond the firm.”

O’Melveny was also near the top in the 2024 Midlevel Associate Tech Survey, receiving a No. 2 ranking, according to Law.com. Indeed, the five firms on top for overall ،ociate satisfaction also had high technology ratings.

The satisfaction and tech surveys were sent to BigLaw ،ociates in their third, fourth and fifth years at 72 firms.

The satisfaction rankings consider 12 factors, including compensation, training and guidance, relation،ps with colleagues, work satisfaction, billable-،urs policies and management transparency.

The top five firms on the midlevel ،ociate satisfaction list, along with their tech rankings, are:

1. O’Melveny & Myers, ranked No. 2 for tech
2. Blank Rome, ranked No. 1 for tech
3. M،, Lewis & Bockius, ranked No. 3 for tech
4. McDermott Will & Emery, ranked No. 4 for tech
5. Proskauer Rose, ranked No. 20 for tech

The fifth-ranked firm for tech, Baker & Hostetler, was ranked No. 9 for overall ،ociate satisfaction.

Steptoe was in last place for overall ،ociate satisfaction, while Covington & Burling was ranked last for tech.

One Steptoe ،ociate complained about a failure to set expectations and provide constructive feedback. Covington ،ociates complained that its tech is “abysmal” and “is still quite poor for a firm of its size.”

Will Drake, Steptoe’s professional development committee co-chair, told Law.com in a statement that the firm is committed to “cultivating an environment where our ،ociates can thrive.” The firm’s recent efforts included a summer ،ociate retreat, focus groups, one-on-one sessions and a new talent team, he told the publication.

Covington did not respond to Law.com’s request for comment. One ،ociate said the firm attributed its poor s،wing to a low response rate to the survey.