McGivney, Kluger, Clark & Intoccia

How would you rate the overall culture of your law firm?
The Firm tries to have a positive culture, but it is very cliquish. The hubris of some of the attorneys with very limited experience and, respectfully, talent, was noticeable. It seemed some of the smaller town attorneys had insecurities with more experienced attorneys from larger cities. However, some of the attorneys who were remarkably talented were humble. Attorneys can be arrogant as a group, so take this with a grain of salt. It is certainly, and by no stretch of the imagination, the worst place to work. However, certain things which I would consider unacceptable, like personal insults, yelling, screaming, temper tantrums - are tolerated and not discouraged. While 95% of the of the time, the Firm is pretty nice, that 5% was enough to create a very negative opinion.

How manageable were the hours and expectations at your firm?
Depends where you work and who you work for. We did not have adequate support for the work in my office. Not enough support means that attorneys do clerical work, instead of billable work. That means the attorney is working more hours, and having less billable hours. How does the Firm view the attorney's success in performance? In billable hours - the more the better.

What opportunities for advancement or partnership were available?
None that I am aware of. Even having a book of business and increasing responsibility was not sufficient. Someone could become a partner because he/she had success at one asbestos trial. In contrast, someone else could build a respectable book of business in commercial litigation consistently, and that would be ignored in favor of trial wins in the dying asbestos litigation area. This firm has its roots in asbestos, and looks like its future in talc litigation. If you do not want to do those ares, this might not be the best fit.

Would you recommend this firm to other attorneys?
This is a job, I do not consider this Firm a place for someone to build a career, unless by happenstance, luck, or someone's whim. If you only need a job for a few years and want to work with smart, ethical lawyers - this is not a bad place. If you come in with a book of insurance clients, this is not a bad place. If you want to learn and grow in anything other than asbestos/talc - this is not likely the best spot.

Current or former employee?: Former Employee

Last Year at Employer: 2024

Job type: Full time

Pros: 5.0 Former Employee, more than 1 yearGreat place to learn and grow as an attorney!Associate in New York, NY ProsThe collective wealth of knowledge makes it easy to jump in and learn the work quickly. Partners are approachable and want to teach. Work setting has been extremely flexible with Covid accommodations as well!ConsThe billable requirement is on the higher side. That's not to say that there isn't work to fill the hours, because there is! As long as you can sit and focus, billing is manageable.

Current or former employee?: Former Employee

Last Year at Employer: 2021

Job type: Full time

Pros: The people (specifically in Philadelphia)

Cons: CEO not being transparent with the employees.

Partners to Avoid and Why: Couple partners are very nice. One partner in Philadelphia is a nice person but a very poor teacher.

Current or former employee?: Current Employee

Job type: Full time

Pros: 5.0 Current Employee, more than 1 yearGreat place to growAttorney in Syracuse, NY ProsA lot of opportunity for career growth and a great team of lawyers and paralegals.ConsIt's a litigation firm so it's a lot of work but no real cons. Good group to work with.

Current or former employee?: Former Employee

Last Year at Employer: 2021

Job type: Full time