Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP

Vault’s Verdict: Kilpatrick Townsend associates are still working through the growing pains of the latest merger, and a confusing compensation system and mixed messages from headquarters has some spirits down. But others say the firm's receptiveness to alternative scheduling, commitment to pro bono and top-notch work is worth it all.

Associate Life

Satisfaction
• “I am very satisfied. The partners with whom I work are excellent managers and teachers. I have been given a good mix of work including legal research, drafting pleadings, and of course some document review.”
• “I have been very satisfied at Kilpatrick because the culture of this firm is relatively relaxed, progressive, and fun-loving. I certainly work very hard, but the culture here is very collegial and makes work enjoyable. I have received sound mentoring and good opportunities to take on responsibility and to advance.”
• “The quality of work I get from clients continues to be very good, as it was with Townsend before the merger, but management's attitude toward staffing, associate development, compensation, and diversity has been thrown back to the stone age.”
• “The vast majority of the work I have done over the last year has been substantive in nature. Much of the decision-making for [patent] applications I've drafted or prosecuted has been pushed to my level.”