Can be a toxic environment. Office is in stone age in regard to technology and methods.
Pros
Compensation was in line with the market, and benefits were standard for big-law. Relative work/life balance in this position. Some attorneys were great, and all practice assistants were fantastic people to work with and interact with on a daily basis.
Cons
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.
