Pros
I honestly have nothing positive to include.
Cons
Since I started working at Nationwide Trial Division, I have been bullied, harassed, and intimidated by management and attorneys. Attorneys are extremely demanding and reliant on paralegals, yet, also very critical of paralegals’ work and rarely provide positive feedback. Paralegals are completely exploited, as Nationwide decided to layoff all sectary positions, so paralegals have to maintain both paralegal and secretary duties for mediocre pay. In all Trial Division offices, there should be a 1-1 ratio of one paralegal assigned to one attorney, however, I am assigned two attorneys. Also, my predecessor had left almost 5 months prior to my hire date, so I inherited a significant backlog of incomplete assignments, along with new assignments and cases, but management blames me for not completing backlogged assignments by the deadlines. HR is incapable of addressing basic concerns, as they have a pattern of blaming or dismissing staff when serious concerns are brought to their attention such as a hostile work environment. HR also avoids meeting with staff altogether and often redirects concerns to other HR departments who are equally unwilling to assist staff. HR is only responsible for assigning extensive recorded trainings to staff and following up with when trainings are incomplete. In addition, there is no designated benefits coordinators, so it begs the question, “What is the purpose of HR at all?” It is clear HR is not trained to engage with employees or to provide supportive resources. If an abusive, micromanager and a dismissive, avoidant HR department isn’t enough, the salary is pretty low for the work load. Also, the health insurance premiums are costly, and offer very little reimbursement on large medical expenses. Nationwide Trial Division is understaffed and extremely exploitative of paralegals while touting “equity and inclusion.” However, they fail to address concerns and routinely gaslight/victim blame their staff in an effort avoid accountability. Please, please, please - DO NOT work at this company. I wish I had read reviews prior to accepting this job, please don't make the same mistake I did.
