Lawyers have feelings too

Morale at the Los Angeles office of Sidley Austin is "perilously low," according to Above the Law - so much so that the firm held a three-day "mini-retreat" at the Biltmore (just a few steps from Sidley's downtown offices). As ATL notes, one day was for senior associates, one day for mid-level folks, and one day for juniors.

The meetings were not well-received in all quarters. The idea of mandatory, lengthy, and non-billable meetings didn't thrill associates who may have to make up the lost hours over the weekend. The main source of discontent at Sidley - LA appears to be bonus levels. Their bonuses are described as a fraction of New York market, even for lawyers with strong reviews, and even below the market level for Los Angeles. We hear that a fair number of Sidley lawyers are interviewing around town in search of greener pastures.

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Mark Lacter
Mark Lacter created the LA Biz Observed blog in 2006. He posted until the day before his death on Nov. 13, 2013.
 
Mark Lacter, business writer and editor was 59
The multi-talented Mark Lacter
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