Workload/Training:
I work in Intellectual Property, and the Business/Real Estate/Litigation areas are completely different in terms of workload. The IP workload is constant, and assisting more than 3 attorneys can get you behind very quickly. There wasn't a lot of training offered besides just figuring it out and asking coworkers questions. First off, I was initially hired as a Project Assistant, which works under the same management as the Paralegals. Unfortunately, I was not offered much one on one training, and with the managers in DC, there was no one to fall back on for support or even easily make connections. There is a 2-day IP Boot Camp, which is overwhelming and doesn't help much in your day to day tasks, it just gives you a basic understanding of patent prosecution. Other training related to your work is done on the job. As a new Project Assistant, I was left alone and almost forgotten for the first 4-5 months and only trained on one main task, when others in my same role were already trained on much more. I continually asked for work to do, but was told "I have all these things for you, but I don't have time to train you since they need to be completed immediately." Working as an Assistant was better for me, though formal training was minimal. I was eventually assigned to assist some really great attorneys, but the workload became increasingly more difficult to handle when they moved an IP assistant to the other department instead of hiring to replace some retirees. Management does not seem to understand that the attorney to assistant ratio for IP is very different due to the workload. Nor do they understand what we do on a daily basis, which makes for decisions being made that don't make sense for IP. Just recently, assistants were forced to complete a 7 hour training program, not so greatly named "Assistant Enrichment." The modules discussed very basic topics on professionalism, productiveness, and other basic workplace concepts. It was a waste of time for anyone that has any experience working in a professional office environment.
If you're an IP Paralegal, be prepared for a stress overload. They are way overworked, with sometimes over 50 clients and 800+ active patents to handle. Paid hourly and they're not allowed to do overtime, yet most are billing 30-50% more than the required billable amount. On top of it, the decision was made in 2021 that Paralegals would not get their yearly bonus, even though they've been dumped with work due to multiple paralegals leaving because of the workload.
In the other departments, training as an assistant is not great due to illogical workplace politics/opinions. One assistant has had many issues getting help and assistance from coworkers due to this reason.
Remote Work:
Coming out of the pandemic, Foley has not been transparent, though claiming to be, about remote work options for staff. Staff (paralegals and below) have not been given any official options for permanent remote work flexibility, even though most positions are able to work at least 90% from home and have proven it's possible during the pandemic. CEOs and management have made it very clear in multiple staff meetings and written policies/announcements that they firmly believe work can only be productive if everyone is "together in person." They talk as if we all didn't just prove that we can productively and successfully work from home for the past 1.5 years. Even the temporary Covid health accommodation is geared towards making the employee eventually get back to the office. Attorneys have even been told that not coming into the office enough will effect their bonuses and performance reviews. If you're looking for remote work flexibility as a non-attorney, this employer is not the place. They do not seem to want to move out of the old and into the new.
Work Environment:
Attorneys that are horrible to their assistants, other staff, or even junior associates and peers, get no reprimand or repercussions. Instead, they make partner. One such attorney is in my office, and her assistant quit after working at Foley for 7+ years due to management not providing any support or resources to her. Management for assistants is overly and needlessly strict and micro-managed for no logical reason. Multiple coworkers have expressed my same feeling that we can at times feel that we're being treated as children, instead of adults that have years of experience in professional settings. Gaslighting techniques towards staff are frequently used by management at this office.
Career Opportunities:
I have a Paralegal degree and enjoy the IP field. However, due to the mismanagement of the IP Paralegals, insane workload, and almost no resources/training, I have realized it would not be worth my sanity to advance my career at Foley and apply for the position. The Paralegal managers do not want to take the time to properly train someone with no filing experience, and barely even have time for the entry level Project Assistant role. One paralegal was hired internally (previously an assistant and project assistant), and had a very difficult time with getting training and assistance in the beginning. She was continually told "they took a huge risk hiring her as a paralegal because she didn't have the filing experience." The result is that she is no longer working at Foley. The firm boasts that the experience and career opportunities are great, but it's geared toward law students/attorneys, not staff.
