Pros
Some really excellent partners (who are called directors at our firm). Some middle level and younger partners are excellent -- smart, caring, fun and work hard to get to know others and make sure we associates are learning and improving.
Another positive is the firm does very interesting work for some really interesting clients. Known to be one of the best firms in the state and region, so there is some prestige to work at our firm.
If you want to learn a new area of the law or develop a new business niche, the firm is very supportive.
Cons
Egos of certain partners. Some older partners simply won't retire and they dominate all meetings and discussions because nobody can do it better than them.
Also, the egos can be insufferable. Recently there was an e-mail that went out berating associates because they did not respond to this partner's e-mail on the same day. And then during a follow-up meeting, partner further berated associates and had the gall to say other partners undoubtedly stepped up to help. So much for a "one firm" or team mentality. Needless to say, most associates were busy working on other assignments that day because there is such overwhelming pressure to make your billable hours. While I was working a 13 hour billable day, I was getting berated with all other associates because I did not respond to partner's call for help.