DLA Piper reviews

Work life balance makes it impossible to use those great benefits. FMLA is severely frowned upon. Over uses it's 'brand' to mislead new hires into believing there is hope for upward movement. You are overworked, underpaid, passed up for promotions and only as good as your last favor. Good luck asking for a raise. Good luck with the very tight-knit politics. It really is about who you know and not what you know.

Management creates an environment that involves absolutely zero autonomy. They operate very much like their own IP firm, in the stone age (i.e. - using post-it notes for reminders), with heavy micro-management. They can be quick to respond emotionally, with professionalism left at the door. Very much a big-brother atmosphere. These things affect everyone in the department. Practice assistants are very under-valued, and are smarter than you think. The role itself allows for very little ownership, and involves a lot of administrative work supporting attorneys, with little substantive IP work. There were also no substantive department-wide or firm-wide meetings for IP staff. This creates isolation and does not do well for career advancement prospects or comradery. There is zero excitement for what will come in the future.