Akerman LLP

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
Would be a much better place if I felt like I could actually move on in my career without leaving and just having my time here pad my resume for the next firm more open to newcomers.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
High profile firm with many reputable partners and clients to learn from. My skills and knowledge in various areas have really developed during my time here.

What did you not like about this institution?
Almost impossible to advance. Seems like the firm only brings in new talent to do the grunt work and only advances those people already with a name who can bill high amounts.

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Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
My advice to the firm is to keep doing exactly what you are doing. I have met several former employees who have branched into exciting careers from the experience and time spent at Akerman.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
This is a fantastic starter firm. The partners are always willing to listen and help you as you begin your career. I loved my time here.

What did you not like about this institution?
It's a small firm, so there's not significant room for advancement. Other than that, the worst thing about working here was leaving.

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Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
Don't be afraid to take your work home with you for the first few weeks, it will help you get adjusted much more quickly.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
I have been working for Akerman LLP for 2 years and I must say it's been a pleasure. Staff is super friendly and helpful, wonderful environment.

What did you not like about this institution?
The scheduling can be tough to work with at times. It's a very busy firm with a very high workload, but it's manageable.

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Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
Consider offering a training course for new associates (or anyone interested) that is basically a crash course in firm economics, bottom-line incentives, unspoken and unwritten expectations for attorney development, etc. These things exist and are available, but a more formal, structured process will help retain associates and make them more effective, plugged-in members of the team.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
Typical biglaw resources, solid travel/expense/CLE budget for younger attorneys, good trainings, software and capabilities are far beyond what you'll find at a smaller boutique. Sophisticated clients and matters, interesting work. It varies by office and practice group, but on the whole, the partners are reasonable people with souls who actually care about associate development. Name recognition, etc. Basically all the typical AmLaw100 pros.

What did you not like about this institution?
Benefits could be better. No 401(k) match for associates, but with the higher biglaw salaries and bonuses, it's not a dealbreaker for most. Also has all the typical AmLaw100 red tape, with a steep learning curve on the administrative side for attorneys without biglaw experience. A lot really depends on your practice groups and even the partners you work for (no surprises there), but you have to be comfortable putting in the leg work to ask questions and get a grasp on the non-billable side of the practice. Finally (and this could be a product of certain practice groups/offices/managing partners), there's not a ton of transparency for associates on the financial/business/internal politics side of the practice. Takes a lot of (non-billable) to figure out where the financial incentives are, where the sustainable sources of work really are, etc. All of that being said, it's a great place with an ambitious and excellence-oriented culture, all the while offering associates plenty of training and guidance as they develop their practice. Not planning on going anywhere anytime soon. Might leave once partnership is on the horizon (see above comment re: lack of transparency on financials and internal politics).

People, departments, offices, products, services and whatever comes to mind that should be avoided at this institution
None so far, but that's always personal experience.. Rumor has it the Consumer Finance group has some tough partners to work for.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
See above re: pros.

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Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
Keep doing what you are doing. A very forward thinking firm.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
Collaborative environment, quality work, and smart colleagues. No BS partner big ego stuff, great environment. Salary is underreported by many resources.

What did you not like about this institution?
Nothing!

People, departments, offices, products, services and whatever comes to mind that should be avoided at this institution
Nothing.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
Great pay and flexible work environment.

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Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
None!

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
Super smart colleagues and high quality work. Salary is under reported by many websites.

What did you not like about this institution?
None!

People, departments, offices, products, services and whatever comes to mind that should be avoided at this institution
None!

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Length of Employment:
10+ years

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
5.Current Employee, more than 3 yearsGreat place to workOperations Assistant in Los Angeles, CARecommendProsThis is definitely one of a kind! From the managing partner, to the office admin, truly all around great place to work!ConsWould love to see more in person interactionAdvice to ManagementContinue to improve- doing great so far!

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Length of Employment:
10+ years