What the Associates Think of Pennsylvania's Larger Firms

Philadelphia has more to boast about than hosting the Republican convention this year. Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll showed a solid performance in areas that associates care about. Midlevels gave the firm an impressive overall score of 3.89, ranking it at number 32 among 165 firms nationwide. Ballard Spahr earned high scores for interesting work and a humane attitude toward billable hours. Treatment by partners was a major score booster for the firm; only 25 firms nationwide ranked higher in this category.

The firm’s attitude toward pro bono work, ranked 14th nationwide, was also impressive. The firm scored well when it came to training and guidance, general atmosphere and communicating with associates about their chances of making partner. A lack of openness about finances and firm strategy was a weak point for the firm.

Not a single responding Ballard Spahr midlevel agreed with the statement that it is just about impossible to become an equity partner in a big firm these days, showing them to be far more optimistic than midlevels in many firms. Management might want to take heed, however, that seven of the 10 responding associates were contacted by headhunters at least a few times a month.

(Responses: 10)

Prestige self-score/rank: 4.40/44

As ranked by others: 85

Firms voted most prestigious: Morgan Lewis; Dechert; Pepper Hamilton

Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley

While making a decent showing by placing in the top half of Philadelphia firms, Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley midlevels are not about to dash out and start ringing the Liberty Bell out of sheer joy. Ranking 58th nationally, the firm had respectable scores on some key issues that matter a lot to midlevels.

The firm’s strengths are in how associates are treated by partners, firm atmosphere and management openness about finances and strategy. But Blank Rome could use some improvement in communicating with associates about their chances for making partner, its attitude toward pro bono, and training and guidance.

The scores were supported by some consistent comments about a lack of feedback for midlevels on their work performance, leading to “uncertainty” as to how midlevels are doing. Some partners who were “difficult to get along with” are adding to midlevels’ anxiety. One midlevel summed it up as a “lack of communication.” A general feeling of insecurity was reflected in the almost even split among midlevels when they were asked whether the firm would be loyal to them in hard times and whether they were anxious about the future.

(Responses: 10)

Prestige self-score/rank: 4.20/74

As ranked by others: 114

Firms voted most prestigious: Dechert; Morgan Lewis; Skadden Arps

buchanan iingersoll