Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC

Pros: The Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC reputation and recognition were highly valued by the source.

Current or former employee?: Former Employee

Last Year at Employer: 2021

Job type: Full time

Advice to law firm management: Fix your work environment for the sake of your associates.

Pros: N/A

Cons: The work environment at Baker Donelson is so incredibly appalling. When I read reviews from Baker employees regarding DEI, it was almost like I was reading statements that had been coerced.

The associates at Baker Donelson are given completely unrealistic expectations. Majority of the partners assign cases to the associates expecting them to automatically say they have the availability to add it to their load - and it's almost an unspoken rule that you don't say no when a partner asks you to work a case. Generally, the associates do most of the time-consuming work, so on top of the excessive caseload, each individual case will be a load in and of itself. If you have a family, you should you go into this firm knowing that you will very likely (as an associate, for sure) miss many dinners, some school plays, have to work weekends (which will cut any kind of family time out of your schedule), anything in the evening during the week (church events, little league ball, etc. - that's out).

In addition, there are many partners at Baker Donelson that show very little respect for family life - or a separation between work and home life - and some will even send foul emails with unnecessary language and expect you to continue to show them respect in return. All that matters to some of the partners at Baker is work, even at the expense of family or whatever else might be of importance to you. That said, there *are* several partners who are very respectable and are great to work with. These partners seem to remember what it was like to be an associate, thusly, they choose to treat the associates with respect. They provide leadership and guidance - not belittlement. Although, almost all partners expect work to happen outside working hours, no matter what.

There have been associates at Baker that have started at the firm with high-hopes and ready for their careers to soar; however, due to the environment, some have eventually suffered mental health problems (that weren't there before) and have had to take leaves of absence to seek help. Additionally, some associates - after starting at Baker - have come to struggle with mental health issues, and instead of taking a leave of absence or seeking help, have chosen to push through their suffering for the sake of their career.

Having knowledge of ALL of the above creates a better understanding that diversity, equity and inclusion at Baker Donelson is lacking in its entirety. DEI is not just about inclusion and diversity of race/ethnicity, gender, etc. in the workplace. DEI also means making ALL colleagues feel welcomed, valued, respected and heard, which, in turn, contributes to the company's growth and success. Baker's partners corporate leadership have lacked in this area for quite some time and it has only gotten worse.

The only way the firm is able to keep its associates at the company, in spite of its terrible environment, is through their increasingly-high associate salary along with hefty bonuses. All associates start at a large, six-figure salary. The salary increases at a rapid pace on an annual basis. Associates meeting a certain number of billable hour requirements, receive a five-figure bonus. So, essentially, the firm is bribing its associates to stay and be treated poorly, because no other firms in the area (if in Memphis) can come close to competing with Baker's rates.

Partners to Avoid and Why: Will not disclose.

Current or former employee?: Former Employee

Last Year at Employer: 2021

Job type: Full time