Pros
Definitely the people. The senior management has been at the firm for many years and understand what younger professional go through when they make a career decision to join EY. When EY preaches about allowing flexibility to the employees they really mean it and executives allow individuals to take charge of their careers and make a work/life balance a real possibility. EY employees are used to the work hard play hard lifestyle and go out of their way to create inclusive environments. Executives take the notice of the newer hires and help to progress the careers of the new hires in order to retain employees. The non-monetary benefits are really good once professionals are farther along in their lives, they lack for young and single individuals.
Cons
The partnership structure of the firm means that the other employees suffer when it comes to compensation. A high turnover rate is created at lower levels because the compensation compared to similar jobs elsewhere is drastically lower and that affects the quality of work performed. At times the type of work can become very repititive for individuals and EY personnel don't always take the time to notice this and help the individual have a change of pace. Professionals can find themselves pigeonholed into a type of specialty they are not interested in and feel the only way to get the change they desire is by leaving the firm.