Dechert LLP

Vault’s Verdict: Dechert boasts an excellent pro bono program as well as collegial and respectful associate/partner relations. Still, morale seems to have taken a hit, with associates complaining that partnership prospects are dim and training is non-existent. 

Associate Life

Satisfaction

• “I consider BigLaw to be totally not awesome, but to the extent I’m at a big firm, I’m satisfied with Dechert. The people here are good to work with and for, the work we get is good, and I feel like I’m learning a lot.”

• “Usual insane firm hours and stress, but morale is especially low here. There are essentially no mid- to senior-level associates, just ever-increasing numbers of lateral partners—we must be well on our way to becoming the first all-partner BigLaw firm.”

• “Work is engaging, and I’ve been given substantive tasks, not make-work.”

• “I like my work, but I am always aware that partnership prospects are very dim.”