Akerman

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT

Akerman hires hard workers who fit in the firm’s positive, team-based, and inclusive culture. The firm is filled with approachable, professional, and supportive people, and partners take time to get to know associates, welcome associates’ opinions, and care about associate development. Assigned associate and partner mentors keep their doors open and provide guidance to more-junior associates, and formal training is held during onboarding and thereafter in practice group sessions. Trainings, mentors, and regular meetings help laterals integrate into the firm. Complex, challenging work assignments cover a broad range of tasks and include client contact early. Both salaries and bonuses are below-market, but associates say that the 1,900 billable hour requirement is reasonable and that the flexible work-from-home policy is a trade-off they willingly make. Updated software programs and AI tools help attorneys with internal filing, research, and document review and drafting. Wellness is promoted through webinars, newsletters, and physical activity challenges. An enthusiastic director supports the firm’s pro bono work, for which unlimited hours count as billable. People from a wide variety of backgrounds work at the firm and have been elevated to leadership positions. Documented resources and current partners help associates realize that advancement to counsel, income partner, and equity partner is viable. Those who leave the firm go in-house. Perks include food available in the office, an internal network for mental health support, and a biannual firm retreat.