BigLaw Firm Named One of the 'Best' Places to Work in Chicago
BigLaw firm Sidley Austin is on the Chicago Tribune's Top Workplaces list, along with Perkins Coie.
Yes, you read that right.
Sidley Austin has something called a "culture of collegiality." For you BigLaw associates who are more used to a "culture of swimming with the sharks," you might want to consider a change in employment.
It seems that at Sidley, people actually support each other. They believe that the law is collaborative, and that everybody is in it together.
Perhaps they also live in a magical place called the Forest of Feelings where there are furry, colorful guardians that protect children. The bear-like guardians, who have various symbols emblazoned across their stomachs, can beam rays of love and cheer to their foes.
Oh wait, that's the world of the Care Bears.
Apparently Sidley Austin treats creates a supportive enough environment that women can even take part-time schedules post-maternity, according to the Chicago Tribune.
They partially credit their firm culture to the fact that they keep partner compensation a secret. Some say this reduces transparency. But Sidley says that it reduces the amount of petty jealousy that can grow between envious partners.
In short: it reduces the amount of stink-eye a partner who makes only $1 million a year will give to the partner who makes $2 million a year.
Maybe it's time that other firms take a page out of the Sidley Austin "Forest of Feelings" - or should we call it "Law Firm of Feelings" - approach to BigLaw.
- Law Firm on Top Workplaces List Keeps Partner Pay Secret as Part of 'Culture of Collegiality' (ABA Journal)
- Four Law Firms Listed on Annual Best Companies to Work For List (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)